Saoirse Ronan, Harris Dickinson, and Steve McQueen gracefully ushered in the 2024 BFI London Film Festival, igniting a fiery start with the world premiere of McQueen's latest masterpiece, 'Blitz.' As the curtains lifted on Wednesday evening, fans eagerly converged upon the BFI's Southbank Centre, eager to catch a fleeting glimpse of the star-studded cast, led by the captivating Ronan.
The Academy Award nominee dazzled in a form-hugging white dress, adorned with a intricate silver-buckled belt, her gaze filled with tenderness as she cooed over her young co-star, the precocious 11-year-old Elliott Heffernan. Surrounded by a sea of photographers calling out his name, Heffernan was gently guided on where and how to pose, with Stephen Graham, Paul Weller, and Benjamin Clementine rounding out the impressive ensemble.
Moments before the screening commenced, McQueen expressed his profound gratitude towards Heffernan, lauding the "stillness" that captivated casting directors and secured him the pivotal role. "I'm deeply thankful that he exists," the director exclaimed, setting the stage for Ronan's heartfelt sentiments. Sharing her desire to create a welcoming and joyous atmosphere akin to her own film debut at age 12 in 'Atonement,' Ronan's passion for fostering a nurturing environment resonated deeply.
'Blitz,' an Apple Original film helmed, produced, and penned by the Oscar-winning McQueen, is a poignant tale of 9-year-old George (portrayed with remarkable finesse by newcomer Heffernan), navigating the treacherous landscape of London during World War II. Torn from the safety of the countryside by his mother Rita (Ronan), George embarks on a perilous journey back to East London, where he confronts bombs, thieves, and prejudice amidst the German bombing campaign's fury. As Rita frantically searches for her missing son, the film poignantly explores the unbreakable bond of motherhood amidst the chaos of war.
Ronan reflected on the film's timeliness, acknowledging the inescapable reality of war's shadow, cast long by events in Ukraine and the Middle East. "There was no escape," she mused during the press conference. "The news brought the horrors of war straight to our doorsteps." She delved into the complexities of being a woman during wartime, acknowledging the heavy burdens shouldered by young women who stepped into roles traditionally filled by men at the front lines. "So much was expected of them," she said, acknowledging the transformative impact of war on women's roles.
McQueen, too, shared his unique perspective on filmmaking, rooted in his personal experiences as a Black man without privilege. His unwavering focus on the craft echoed in his words: "I have to get on with it, no matter what." Offering sage advice to aspiring filmmakers, he urged them to stay resolute: "Keep going, keep pushing forward!"
'Blitz' is poised to captivate audiences in select cinemas across the UK and US on November 1st, with a subsequent streaming debut on Apple TV+ on November 22nd, promising a cinematic journey that will linger long after the credits roll.
