Ready for a cinematic experience that transports you to the heart of London during one of its darkest hours? Consider director Steve McQueen’s Blitz, a surprisingly moving period piece now streaming on Apple TV+. As you’ll see in our Blitz review, if you’ve got holiday downtime to spare, this makes a good diversion.
The gripping film offers a powerful glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit during World War II’s London Blitz. It was a relentless bombing campaign associated with Germany’s aggressive “blitzkrieg” strategy. Here are three reasons why you should watch Steve McQueen’s Blitz.
3 reasons to watch Steve McQueen’s WW II epic on Apple TV+: A Blitz review
1. You like a harrowing journey through history.
Steve McQueen, known for his unflinching portrayals of historical events, brings the London Blitz authentically to life. As someone interested in this period — see my article about the WWII series Masters of the Air — I was impressed by the meticulous attention to detail in nearly every frame. And I enjoyed how the film takes its time to show so much along the way.
And actually, it almost seemed to end too soon regarding its main characters’ plights. But it makes sense that the catastrophic Blitz as a whole overwhelmed countless individual stories of tragedy and survival. And while some might say Blitz plucks too hard at the heart strings at times, hey, it’s the holidays. And a lot of that emotional freight is pushed hard by a generous use of music in the film. It’s mostly music that makes people “instantly weep,” to quote Spinal Tap‘s Nigel Tufnel regarding the power of the D minor chord.
So Blitz doesn’t just show you history. It makes you feel it. The film captures the fear, uncertainty and courage of Londoners as they faced nightly bombings. McQueen’s direction immerses you in not just the smoky, rubble-filled streets and crowded air raid shelters, but in the jazz clubs filled with desperate revelers. It creates an atmosphere so tangible you can almost smell the dust and smoke as distant sirens wail. (And in so many cases, the band on the London Underground platform — or in one scene, the marionette show — plays on).
But it’s not just about the bombs, destruction and stiff upper lips. Blitz delves into the human stories, exploring how ordinary people found extraordinary strength in the face of unimaginable adversity. You might find yourself holding your breath, cheering for characters and shedding a tear at times.
The film gives you two main characters to follow in the distracting chaos: a 9-year-old boy named George (newcomer Elliot Heffernan) and his mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan). When George is sent with other kids to the countryside for safety, he escapes and makes his way back to London. When his mom hears he’s gone missing, she sets out on a desperate search.
2. A diverse cast delivers powerhouse performances.
Photo: Apple TV+
The ensemble cast of Blitz does phenomenal work. Led by Ronan, known for her ability to disappear into her roles, the performers nail it most of the time. And some of them are little surprises in and of themselves. For example, musician Paul Weller plays George’s piano-playing grandfather. And Roddy Cho from Apple TV+’s Slow Horses (Christopher Chung) plays a thief in a gang that forcibly presses George into service during his journey.
Ronan brings a raw intensity to her character. She’s a young nurse navigating the chaos of wartime London. Her nuanced portrayal captures the conflicting emotions of fear, duty and hope that defined the era. And supporting cast members — including musician Benjamin Clementime as air raid warden Ife, a transplanted Nigerian who helps George, and Stephen Graham as thief Albert, who doesn’t — deliver compelling performances that bring depth and authenticity to their roles, even when they appear only briefly.
In fact, one thing that sets Blitz apart is how McQueen draws out the best from his actors. Every glance, every trembling hand, every moment of quiet determination adds a bit to the story. You may find yourself invested in their lives, rooting for them as they face each new challenge. And built into the story is a familiar challenge — endemic racism. George’s father was black and his mother is white. And some characters in the film — from school kids to middle-aged adults — feel the need to punish George for that.
3. It’s an emotionally moving visual feast.
McQueen’s background as a visual artist shines through Blitz. The film is a masterclass in cinematography, using light, shadow and composition to create scenes that are both beautiful and haunting.
From the eerie glow of searchlights cutting through the night sky to the stark contrast of flames against darkened buildings, Blitz is visually stunning. McQueen’s camera work puts you right in the middle of the action, creating an immersive experience that stays with you.
But it’s not just about the spectacle. The visual style of Blitz serves a deeper purpose, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. Intimate close-ups capture the raw emotions on the characters’ faces, while wide shots of London’s altered skyline drive home the scale of destruction. And in the middle of this, George’s boyish wonder at playing with fellow vagabonds and seeing (still intact) sights in downtown London comes through. The visual storytelling adds layers of meaning to every scene, making Blitz a film that begs to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
Don’t miss out on this exciting and moving movie. Grab your popcorn, dim the lights and prepare to be transported to London in 1940.
Watch the trailer for Steve McQueen’s Blitz
Watch Blitz on Apple TV+
You can stream Blitz anytime on Apple TV+. It’s available by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.
After launching in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 515 wins and 2,308 award nominations and counting,” the service said.
In addition to award-winning movies and TV shows (including breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso), Apple TV+ offers a variety of documentaries, dramas, comedies, kids shows and more.
