Blitz, Steve McQueen’s new period drama starring Saoirse Ronan, has released its first trailer.
Ahead of its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 9, the movie has offered a closer look at this World War II story of a family fighting to be reunited during the German bombings of the UK.
Ronan stars as Rita, an East London woman who sends her son George (Elliott Heffernan) to safety in the British countryside.
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When George escapes to go back to his mum and grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller), he puts himself in unspeakable danger. Meanwhile, Rita involves her factory co-workers and starts a search to find her missing son.
Cast for the historical drama is rounded out by Stephen Graham, Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, CJ Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman and Sally Messham.
Speaking about one of his movies opening the BFI London Film Festival for the third time, writer-director McQueen said he was “thrilled” to celebrate the premiere in his hometown.
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“Blitz is a movie about Londoners. It honours the spirit of what and how Londoners endured during the blitz, but also explores the true representation of people in London, while at its core is the story of a working-class family desperate to be reunited during times of war,” the filmmaker said in a statement.
“I could not be more thrilled that the BFI London Film Festival have invited us to open this year’s festival, and to celebrate the World Premiere of Blitz in my hometown.”
BFI London Film Festival 2024 runs from October 9 to October 20.
Blitz will open this year’s BFI London Film Festival on October 9 before being released in select cinemas on November 1. It will then stream globally on Apple TV+ on November 22.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).