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Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series highlighting the scripts behind the year’s buzziest awards-season films continues with Steve McQueen’s Blitz, a searing period action drama that imagines one story of a million during The Blitz, when Nazi Germany bombed the UK for eight straight months during World War II.
Written and directed by the Oscar-winning McQueen, Apple Original Films’ Blitz had its world premiere as the opening movie of the BFI London Film Festival and closed the New York Film Festival before hitting theaters November 1. It debuted on Apple TV+ on November 22.
The plot follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside amid the bombing. George, defiant and determined to return home, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Written and directed by the Oscar-winning McQueen, Apple Original Films’ Blitz had its world premiere as the opening movie of the BFI London Film Festival and closed the New York Film Festival before hitting theaters November 1. It debuted on Apple TV+ on November 22.
The plot follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside amid the bombing. George, defiant and determined to return home, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
- 12/5/2024
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
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Saoirse Ronan's new World War II movie with an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score becomes a streaming success. The Irish actress, primarily known for her performances in period dramas, broke out with her performance as a precious teenager in Atonement at the age of 13, earning her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Ronan continued her rise with lead roles in The Lovely Bones, Hanna, and a supporting role in Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel.
It wasn't until 2016 that Ronan earned her second Oscar nomination, this time for a leading role, for her performance as a homesick Irish immigrant during the 1950s in 2015's Brooklyn. In the following years, Ronan earned additional critical acclaim for her collaborations with writer-director Greta Gerwig, receiving two more Oscar nominations for Lady Bird and Little Women. With four total Oscar nods to her name, Ronan is one of the best young actresses working today and,...
It wasn't until 2016 that Ronan earned her second Oscar nomination, this time for a leading role, for her performance as a homesick Irish immigrant during the 1950s in 2015's Brooklyn. In the following years, Ronan earned additional critical acclaim for her collaborations with writer-director Greta Gerwig, receiving two more Oscar nominations for Lady Bird and Little Women. With four total Oscar nods to her name, Ronan is one of the best young actresses working today and,...
- 12/2/2024
- by Adam Bentz
- ScreenRant
Watch Saoirse Ronan And Nicholas Britell Perform Live Version Of ‘Blitz’ Original Song ‘Winter Coat’
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Exclusive: Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Oscar nominee, has been earning an entirely new set of props for her performance in Blitz, the latest feature from British filmmaker Steve McQueen.
In the WWII pic, Ronan plays Rita, a young mother searching for her son who has gone missing during Germany’s aerial bombardment of London. Rita also is a keen musician and can more than carry a tune. In one scene, she is chosen to sing for a live BBC wartime radio broadcast and performs the gentle but defiant song “Winter Coat.” Ronan has now recorded a new live version of the song, which you can watch above.
The song was written by McQueen, musician Taura Stinson and three-time Oscar-nominated composer Nicholas Britell. The performance above was recorded November 7 in Studio A at the legendary Power Station at BerkleeNYC in New York City. Other sartists known to have recorded at the studio include Bruce Springsteen,...
In the WWII pic, Ronan plays Rita, a young mother searching for her son who has gone missing during Germany’s aerial bombardment of London. Rita also is a keen musician and can more than carry a tune. In one scene, she is chosen to sing for a live BBC wartime radio broadcast and performs the gentle but defiant song “Winter Coat.” Ronan has now recorded a new live version of the song, which you can watch above.
The song was written by McQueen, musician Taura Stinson and three-time Oscar-nominated composer Nicholas Britell. The performance above was recorded November 7 in Studio A at the legendary Power Station at BerkleeNYC in New York City. Other sartists known to have recorded at the studio include Bruce Springsteen,...
- 11/27/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
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I consider myself an admirer of Steve McQueen’s career, with 12 Years a Slave remaining his magnum opus, reinforcing my personal opinion that he’s stronger as a director than as a screenwriter, given that it’s the only film in which he didn’t contribute to the script. Therefore, my expectations for Blitz were moderately positive. The story follows George (Elliott Heffernan), a nine-year-old boy during World War II in London, sent to safer areas within the country by his mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan). Defiant and determined to return home, George embarks on a perilous adventure while his mother desperately searches for him.
Of all historical events and periods, WWII is, by far, the one that has inspired the most movie and television adaptations. While there are still original and innovative narratives to be told, the truth is that most films of this kind fall into a generic cycle of stories about survival,...
Of all historical events and periods, WWII is, by far, the one that has inspired the most movie and television adaptations. While there are still original and innovative narratives to be told, the truth is that most films of this kind fall into a generic cycle of stories about survival,...
- 11/24/2024
- by Manuel Sao Bento
- Talking Films
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Follow the journey of a boy and his mother separated by war in this Apple TV+ exclusive.
Oscar-winner Steve McQueen is out with his latest film, this time a World War II epic called “Blitz.” This gripping historical drama is told through the eyes of George, a nine-year-old boy (Elliott Heffernan) separated from his mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan), during the Blitz. While George braves the chaos of war to return to London and get back to his mom, Rita fights desperately to find her missing son. With a stunning premiere at the BFI London Film Festival and a buzzy reception at the New York Film Festival, “Blitz” is one film you don’t want to miss. You can watch it on Apple TV+ when it premieres on Friday, Nov. 22.
How to watch ‘Blitz’ When: Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 Where: Apple TV+ Stream: Watch with a subscription to Apple TV+. 7-Day Free Trial $9.99+ / month apple.
Oscar-winner Steve McQueen is out with his latest film, this time a World War II epic called “Blitz.” This gripping historical drama is told through the eyes of George, a nine-year-old boy (Elliott Heffernan) separated from his mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan), during the Blitz. While George braves the chaos of war to return to London and get back to his mom, Rita fights desperately to find her missing son. With a stunning premiere at the BFI London Film Festival and a buzzy reception at the New York Film Festival, “Blitz” is one film you don’t want to miss. You can watch it on Apple TV+ when it premieres on Friday, Nov. 22.
How to watch ‘Blitz’ When: Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 Where: Apple TV+ Stream: Watch with a subscription to Apple TV+. 7-Day Free Trial $9.99+ / month apple.
- 11/22/2024
- by Thomas Waschenfelder
- The Streamable
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Plot: During the WW2 bombing of Britain, a young mother (Saoirse Ronan) sends her young son, Georgie (Elliott Heffernan), off to the countryside for his own safety. Angry at being separated from his mother and used to being taunted for his mixed-race heritage, he jumps off the train to the countryside and embarks on an odyssey through a bombed-out London to reunite with his family.
Review: Blitz wasn’t what I expected from director Steve McQueen. One of the most potent directors in the business, Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave, Widows and Small Axe were all dazzlingly well-directed, but there was nothing in any of them which made me think McQueen had a family film in him. Blitz, which carries a PG-13 rating, is his most accessible film to date, with it a soft-hearted journey through London which sometimes feels almost Spielbergian. While it’s not as good as...
Review: Blitz wasn’t what I expected from director Steve McQueen. One of the most potent directors in the business, Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave, Widows and Small Axe were all dazzlingly well-directed, but there was nothing in any of them which made me think McQueen had a family film in him. Blitz, which carries a PG-13 rating, is his most accessible film to date, with it a soft-hearted journey through London which sometimes feels almost Spielbergian. While it’s not as good as...
- 11/21/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
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Get The Full Scoop On The Saoirse Ronan-Led Historical Drama Blitz.. (Photo Credit – Instagram)
Blitz dropped a bomb at the BFI London Film Festival on October 9, 2024, and it was released in theaters on November 1, 2024. No worries if you haven’t watched it—it’ll hit Apple TV+ on November 22, 2024.
This one, directed by Steve McQueen, flips the script on your typical war flick. It’s all about the raw, emotional side of World War II, focusing on the real people who lived through the Blitz—not just the battlefields. And trust, it’s going to hit harder than a bombshell.
Blitz Plot Twist: A Kid’s Journey Through the Blitz
Blitz is about a kid’s wild journey through chaos. Set during the London Blitz, it follows 9-year-old George, who’s sent to the countryside by his mom, Rita (played by the excellent Saoirse Ronan), to escape the bombings.
Blitz dropped a bomb at the BFI London Film Festival on October 9, 2024, and it was released in theaters on November 1, 2024. No worries if you haven’t watched it—it’ll hit Apple TV+ on November 22, 2024.
This one, directed by Steve McQueen, flips the script on your typical war flick. It’s all about the raw, emotional side of World War II, focusing on the real people who lived through the Blitz—not just the battlefields. And trust, it’s going to hit harder than a bombshell.
Blitz Plot Twist: A Kid’s Journey Through the Blitz
Blitz is about a kid’s wild journey through chaos. Set during the London Blitz, it follows 9-year-old George, who’s sent to the countryside by his mom, Rita (played by the excellent Saoirse Ronan), to escape the bombings.
- 11/16/2024
- by Koimoi.com Team
- KoiMoi
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Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen is revealing today that two years ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent a procedure to remove the tumor.
Thankfully, the filmmaker is now “fully recovered and fully functional,” he tells Deadline.
The knight of the British realm is making a speech this afternoon to U.K. lawmakers at the House Of Commons to launch a new campaign for charity Prostate Cancer Research.
The surgery meant that the start of filming on his exceptional wartime feature Blitz was delayed for two weeks.
McQueen then returned to work without divulging to over two hundred cast and crew the reason for his absence. The director says that he kept his medical operation secret because he didn’t want his health issues to be a distraction to those working on the movie.
Today’s date, November 14, has a special significance for the filmmaker, because it’s two...
Thankfully, the filmmaker is now “fully recovered and fully functional,” he tells Deadline.
The knight of the British realm is making a speech this afternoon to U.K. lawmakers at the House Of Commons to launch a new campaign for charity Prostate Cancer Research.
The surgery meant that the start of filming on his exceptional wartime feature Blitz was delayed for two weeks.
McQueen then returned to work without divulging to over two hundred cast and crew the reason for his absence. The director says that he kept his medical operation secret because he didn’t want his health issues to be a distraction to those working on the movie.
Today’s date, November 14, has a special significance for the filmmaker, because it’s two...
- 11/14/2024
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
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Ahh November. You know it’s fall in Hollywood because the beaches empty out, the mountains light on fire, and people start to wear fashionable jackets that it’s entirely too warm for. But damn it, if we wish it hard enough, those leaves will change color and it will be perfect pumpkin-spice weather!
It is perfect movie weather though, and we have some hot ones for you this month. We have films from heavy hitters like Steve McQueen and Pablo Larraín, and some exciting sophomore features from the likes of Mati Diop and Jessie Eisenberg. Take a look what this month has to offer below:
Juror No. 2
When You Can Watch: Now
Where You Can Watch: Theaters (limited)
Creator/Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collete, J.K. Simmons, Kiefer Sutherland
Why We’re Excited: Recipient of the 2007 Spirit of Independent Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival, director...
It is perfect movie weather though, and we have some hot ones for you this month. We have films from heavy hitters like Steve McQueen and Pablo Larraín, and some exciting sophomore features from the likes of Mati Diop and Jessie Eisenberg. Take a look what this month has to offer below:
Juror No. 2
When You Can Watch: Now
Where You Can Watch: Theaters (limited)
Creator/Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collete, J.K. Simmons, Kiefer Sutherland
Why We’re Excited: Recipient of the 2007 Spirit of Independent Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival, director...
- 11/13/2024
- by Su Fang Tham
- Film Independent News & More
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Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Blitz,” written and directed by British auteur Steve McQueen, and featuring Saoirse Ronan as Rosie the Riveter by day and devoted mother the rest of the time. In theaters on November 8th, and streaming on Apple TV+ on November 22nd.
Elliot Hefferman is George, being raised by a single mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) and his grandfather (Paul Weller). George is bi-racial, and has suffered the slings and arrows associated with that status in Britain circa 1940. When the bombs hit too close to home, Rita sends George away through a British initiative designed to send children to rural areas to protect them. However George escapes from the train on the way there, and ends up embarking on a boy’s war adventure back to his city, home and mother.
”Blitz” is in theaters November 8th, and streaming on November 22nd on Apple TV+. Featuring Saoirse Ronan,...
Elliot Hefferman is George, being raised by a single mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) and his grandfather (Paul Weller). George is bi-racial, and has suffered the slings and arrows associated with that status in Britain circa 1940. When the bombs hit too close to home, Rita sends George away through a British initiative designed to send children to rural areas to protect them. However George escapes from the train on the way there, and ends up embarking on a boy’s war adventure back to his city, home and mother.
”Blitz” is in theaters November 8th, and streaming on November 22nd on Apple TV+. Featuring Saoirse Ronan,...
- 11/8/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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Steve McQueen’s “Blitz” (Apple TV+) is a tale of two Londons under harrowing German aerial assault during World War II. There’s the communal stiff-upper-lip resilience that defines the Brits and the more personal family drama, which centers on biracial youngster George (Elliott Heffernan), who’s hurled on an incredible “Oliver Twist”-like adventure. After being evacuated out of London on a train with other children for safekeeping, George immediately runs away and perilously heads back home to his munitions worker mom, Rita (Saoirse Ronan), and musical grandfather Gerald Hanway (Paul Weller of The Jam).
The convergence of these two perspectives in “Blitz” becomes the basis of a primal survival story told as social realist fable. It alternates between naturalism and surrealism, yet it’s completely anchored in historical truth. Among the real-life incidents depicted in the film: the East End air-raid shelter run by Mickey (“the Midget”) Davies...
The convergence of these two perspectives in “Blitz” becomes the basis of a primal survival story told as social realist fable. It alternates between naturalism and surrealism, yet it’s completely anchored in historical truth. Among the real-life incidents depicted in the film: the East End air-raid shelter run by Mickey (“the Midget”) Davies...
- 11/4/2024
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
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A WWII drama with a buzzy cast might seem like typical generic awards fodder, but in the hands of a brilliant filmmaker like Steve McQueen, it can be so much more. McQueen’s Blitz is a technically masterful and narratively impressive film that uses the formula of its genre to create one of the most harrowingly beautiful movies of the year.
Blitz Review
Blitz follows a mother and son who must fight their way back to each other in WWII London during a terrifying period of air raids in the city. Although there have been plenty of films about trying to stay alive during the war, we less often see one set on the homefront, and in many ways, seeing the horrors of war against a backdrop that is supposed to be comfortable like home makes what we see all the more horrifying.
Saoirse Ronan and Elliott Heffernan in “Blitz,...
Blitz Review
Blitz follows a mother and son who must fight their way back to each other in WWII London during a terrifying period of air raids in the city. Although there have been plenty of films about trying to stay alive during the war, we less often see one set on the homefront, and in many ways, seeing the horrors of war against a backdrop that is supposed to be comfortable like home makes what we see all the more horrifying.
Saoirse Ronan and Elliott Heffernan in “Blitz,...
- 11/1/2024
- by Sean Boelman
- FandomWire
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This review was originally published as a part of our 2024 Middleburg Film Festival coverage.
Writer-director Steve McQueen has become adept at making movies of lost characters trying to find their way back to their families. He did it with 12 Years a Slave and hes doing it with his latest feature, Blitz. The historical drama is set in 1940, during Nazi Germanys blitz against Britain. At times harrowing and traumatic, McQueen never shows the moment the bombings happen. Still, there are close-ups of the weapons the Germans dropped on Londons civilian population that foreshadow exactly what will come next. Blitz is a capably made movie that, with a few exceptions, rings hollow.
Blitz (2024)
Director Steve McQueenRelease Date November 1, 2024Writers Steve McQueenCast Cj Beckford, Mica Ricketts, Leigh Gill, Benjamin Clementine, Paul Weller, Kathy Burke, Elliott Heffernan, Sally Messham, Joshua McGuire, Erin Kellyman, Stephen Graham, Harris Dickinson, Hayley Squires, Alex Jennings, Saoirse RonanCharacter(s) Gerald,...
Writer-director Steve McQueen has become adept at making movies of lost characters trying to find their way back to their families. He did it with 12 Years a Slave and hes doing it with his latest feature, Blitz. The historical drama is set in 1940, during Nazi Germanys blitz against Britain. At times harrowing and traumatic, McQueen never shows the moment the bombings happen. Still, there are close-ups of the weapons the Germans dropped on Londons civilian population that foreshadow exactly what will come next. Blitz is a capably made movie that, with a few exceptions, rings hollow.
Blitz (2024)
Director Steve McQueenRelease Date November 1, 2024Writers Steve McQueenCast Cj Beckford, Mica Ricketts, Leigh Gill, Benjamin Clementine, Paul Weller, Kathy Burke, Elliott Heffernan, Sally Messham, Joshua McGuire, Erin Kellyman, Stephen Graham, Harris Dickinson, Hayley Squires, Alex Jennings, Saoirse RonanCharacter(s) Gerald,...
- 11/1/2024
- by Mae Abdulbaki
- ScreenRant
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There’s a scene early on in Steve McQueen’s Blitz in which Rita (Saoirse Ronan), a munitions-factory worker with a talent for singing, reluctantly packs off her young, mixed-race son George (Elliott Heffernan) to the countryside to avoid the horrors of continuous bombing. It’s a scenario we have seen a million times before — a tearful train-station goodbye — but McQueen makes it heart-rending. Over its two-hour running time, Blitz pulls off this trick constantly. Seen through McQueen’s vibrant but clear-eyed lens, it takes stock situations from countless creaky black-and-white films and makes them feel raw, real and fresh.
The story starts with the ferocity of D-Day: Saving Private Ryan transported to Stepney Green. In the aftermath of a night-time Luftwaffe bombing sortie, firefighters are struggling to contain a raging blaze (think battling Drogon with a couple of pails of water). At one point, a canvas hose escapes from a fireman’s clutches,...
The story starts with the ferocity of D-Day: Saving Private Ryan transported to Stepney Green. In the aftermath of a night-time Luftwaffe bombing sortie, firefighters are struggling to contain a raging blaze (think battling Drogon with a couple of pails of water). At one point, a canvas hose escapes from a fireman’s clutches,...
- 10/30/2024
- by Ian Freer
- Empire - Movies
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Apple TV+ entered into the streaming game pretty late but because of the quality of their originals, they are quickly becoming everybody’s favorite. After the success of shows like Ted Lasso and Slow Horses, the Apple-owned streaming service is showing no signs of slowing down and releases new brilliant TV shows and movies every month to expand its impressive content library. So, here are the best new movies and shows coming on Apple TV+ in November 2024.
Bad Sisters Season 2 (November 13)
Bad Sisters returns for its much anticipated Season 2 this November on Apple TV+. Created by Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel, and Brett Baer, the Irish dark comedy-drama series is based on the Flemish TV series by Malin-Sarah Gozin. Season 2 is set two years after the events of Season 1 and it continues the story of the Garvey sisters,...
Apple TV+ entered into the streaming game pretty late but because of the quality of their originals, they are quickly becoming everybody’s favorite. After the success of shows like Ted Lasso and Slow Horses, the Apple-owned streaming service is showing no signs of slowing down and releases new brilliant TV shows and movies every month to expand its impressive content library. So, here are the best new movies and shows coming on Apple TV+ in November 2024.
Bad Sisters Season 2 (November 13)
Bad Sisters returns for its much anticipated Season 2 this November on Apple TV+. Created by Sharon Horgan, Dave Finkel, and Brett Baer, the Irish dark comedy-drama series is based on the Flemish TV series by Malin-Sarah Gozin. Season 2 is set two years after the events of Season 1 and it continues the story of the Garvey sisters,...
- 10/27/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
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Apple TV+ has announced the programming that will be added to the streaming service next month. The Apple TV Plus November 2024 lineup includes Bad Sisters Season 2, the documentary Bread & Roses, the war drama Blitz, and Silo Season 2.
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment. It is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens.
Silo Season 2 Apple TV Plus November 2024 Schedule
Available November 1
Blitz (PG-13 War Drama Film)
Steve McQueen‘s “Blitz” follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a nine-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment. It is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens.
Silo Season 2 Apple TV Plus November 2024 Schedule
Available November 1
Blitz (PG-13 War Drama Film)
Steve McQueen‘s “Blitz” follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a nine-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
- 10/25/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
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"Everything about this film feels incredibly authentic. It's a true portrayal of London." Apple TV has just unveiled a behind-the-scenes featurette providing a quick look at Steve McQueen's latest - a WWII drama set in London called Blitz. Taking place during the bombings on London at the start of WWII, following a young boy lost in the city. This premiered at the 2024 London & NYFF Film Festivals and will be opening in November in theaters first before it's later on Apple TV to stream at home. Nice to see McQueen on set in some of this footage. A defiant young boy goes on an adventure running around London during the war only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son. Saoirse Ronan is Rita, with Elliott Heffernan as her 9-year-old son George. The full ensemble cast in this features Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine,...
- 10/24/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
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Steve McQueen’s film work has never exhibited much of an interest in moral complexity or psychological nuance, usually conveying themes such as the institutionalized horror of chattel slavery (12 Years a Slave) or the principled self-negation of Irish republican resistance (Hunger) in easily understood terms. It makes sense, then, that his latest tale of another dark period in recent history is told primarily from the perspective of a child.
Blitz follows George (Elliott Hefferman), a young boy evacuated from London during the heavy German bombing raids of the city that began in September 1940. Bailing early from a train carrying him and hundreds of other children to the relative safety of rural villages, he hops on another heading back to the city, hoping to return to his mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan), and grandfather, Gerald (Paul Weller), in their increasingly devastated East End neighborhood.
McQueen’s choice to recreate this particular...
Blitz follows George (Elliott Hefferman), a young boy evacuated from London during the heavy German bombing raids of the city that began in September 1940. Bailing early from a train carrying him and hundreds of other children to the relative safety of rural villages, he hops on another heading back to the city, hoping to return to his mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan), and grandfather, Gerald (Paul Weller), in their increasingly devastated East End neighborhood.
McQueen’s choice to recreate this particular...
- 10/11/2024
- by David Robb
- Slant Magazine
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With his new World War II drama Blitz, uncompromising filmmaker Steve McQueen is once more tackling weighty, vital material. He tells us about his ongoing mission to break new ground…
Here’s what you need to know about Steve McQueen, as a man and as a filmmaker: he will not waste your time. Not with false modesty, nor with empty boasting. Not by suffering fools or flattering royalty. This is sometimes mistaken for brusqueness. It isn’t. It’s a guarantee that when a single shot of a priest conversing with a prisoner lasts 17 minutes and 11 seconds (as in 2008 feature debut Hunger), or when his 2023 Holocaust documentary Occupied City takes four hours and 26 minutes (not including interval), every moment is necessary and accounted for.
It’s this disciplined focus on what McQueen emphatically calls “the work... The W-O-R-K” which has enabled the 54-year-old to frequently...
Here’s what you need to know about Steve McQueen, as a man and as a filmmaker: he will not waste your time. Not with false modesty, nor with empty boasting. Not by suffering fools or flattering royalty. This is sometimes mistaken for brusqueness. It isn’t. It’s a guarantee that when a single shot of a priest conversing with a prisoner lasts 17 minutes and 11 seconds (as in 2008 feature debut Hunger), or when his 2023 Holocaust documentary Occupied City takes four hours and 26 minutes (not including interval), every moment is necessary and accounted for.
It’s this disciplined focus on what McQueen emphatically calls “the work... The W-O-R-K” which has enabled the 54-year-old to frequently...
- 10/10/2024
- by Ellen E Jones
- Empire - Movies
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BFI CEO Ben Roberts and Working Title producer Tim Bevan praised the confirmation of the Independent Film Tax Credit (Iftc), at the opening night of the 68th BFI London Film Festival.
“It’s really brilliant news that this morning the government confirmed a game-changing new tax initiative to support British films, which will create so many opportunities for filmmaking and developing talent,” said Roberts in his opening address. “A strong and diverse film culture, including this film festival, needs all the support it can get.”
Roberts also welcomed Lisa Nandy, UK culture secretary under the new Labour government, who attended...
“It’s really brilliant news that this morning the government confirmed a game-changing new tax initiative to support British films, which will create so many opportunities for filmmaking and developing talent,” said Roberts in his opening address. “A strong and diverse film culture, including this film festival, needs all the support it can get.”
Roberts also welcomed Lisa Nandy, UK culture secretary under the new Labour government, who attended...
- 10/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
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Saoirse Ronan is stepping out for the world premiere of her new movie!
The 30-year-old Oscar-nominated actress joined co-stars Elliott Heffernan and Harris Dickinson at the world premiere of Blitz held during the Opening Night Gala of the 2024 BFI London Film Festival on Wednesday (October 9) at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England.
Fellow cast members in attendance included Paul Weller, Stephen Graham, Benjamin Clementine, Erin Kellyman, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, and Sally Messham.
Director and writer Steve McQueen was also at the premiere along with his wife Bianca Stigter, their daughter Alex, and their son Dexter.
Here’s the synopsis: “Sir Steve McQueen’s Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Weller) in East London,...
The 30-year-old Oscar-nominated actress joined co-stars Elliott Heffernan and Harris Dickinson at the world premiere of Blitz held during the Opening Night Gala of the 2024 BFI London Film Festival on Wednesday (October 9) at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England.
Fellow cast members in attendance included Paul Weller, Stephen Graham, Benjamin Clementine, Erin Kellyman, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, and Sally Messham.
Director and writer Steve McQueen was also at the premiere along with his wife Bianca Stigter, their daughter Alex, and their son Dexter.
Here’s the synopsis: “Sir Steve McQueen’s Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Weller) in East London,...
- 10/10/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
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Saoirse Ronan, Harris Dickinson and Steve McQueen have together ushered in the 2024 BFI London Film Festival.
With the world premiere of McQueen’s latest film Blitz opening the fest Wednesday night, fans flocked to the BFI’s Southbank Centre to catch a glimpse of the cast, led by Ronan.
The Academy Award nominee wore a form-fitting white dress with a detailed, silver-buckled belt, and coo-ed over her co-star, 11-year-old Elliott Heffernan, who was shown where and how to pose for the crowd of photographers shouting his name. Stephen Graham, Paul Weller and Benjamin Clementine were among the cast members present.
Shortly before the screening started, McQueen spoke highly of Heffernan and lauded the “stillness” casting directors saw in his tape that landed him the role. “I’m very grateful he exists,” the director said, before Ronan spoke about wanting to make his first film set as welcoming and “fun” as...
With the world premiere of McQueen’s latest film Blitz opening the fest Wednesday night, fans flocked to the BFI’s Southbank Centre to catch a glimpse of the cast, led by Ronan.
The Academy Award nominee wore a form-fitting white dress with a detailed, silver-buckled belt, and coo-ed over her co-star, 11-year-old Elliott Heffernan, who was shown where and how to pose for the crowd of photographers shouting his name. Stephen Graham, Paul Weller and Benjamin Clementine were among the cast members present.
Shortly before the screening started, McQueen spoke highly of Heffernan and lauded the “stillness” casting directors saw in his tape that landed him the role. “I’m very grateful he exists,” the director said, before Ronan spoke about wanting to make his first film set as welcoming and “fun” as...
- 10/9/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Steve McQueen enjoyed the unusual coincidence of celebrating both the world premiere of his latest film and his birthday on Wednesday night.
“Blitz” — McQueen’s WWII drama starring Saoirse Ronan and young newcomer Elliot Heffernan and set during Nazi Germany’s intense bombing campaign of the U.K. between 1940 and 1941 — opened the BFI London Film Festival, the second time McQueen has done so after his 2018 crime thriller “Widows.” As the credits rolled on the emotional mother-son story, the audience gave a round of applause, particularly for Heffernan, while several were seen wiping tears from their eyes.
Speaking on stage at Royal Festival Hall, the filmmaker reflected on the sobering message of the film and gave a shout out to another creative who shares the same birthday.
“I share a birthday with one of the greatest British artists that ever lived, John Lennon,” he said. “And right now I can only think of the song ‘Imagine,...
“Blitz” — McQueen’s WWII drama starring Saoirse Ronan and young newcomer Elliot Heffernan and set during Nazi Germany’s intense bombing campaign of the U.K. between 1940 and 1941 — opened the BFI London Film Festival, the second time McQueen has done so after his 2018 crime thriller “Widows.” As the credits rolled on the emotional mother-son story, the audience gave a round of applause, particularly for Heffernan, while several were seen wiping tears from their eyes.
Speaking on stage at Royal Festival Hall, the filmmaker reflected on the sobering message of the film and gave a shout out to another creative who shares the same birthday.
“I share a birthday with one of the greatest British artists that ever lived, John Lennon,” he said. “And right now I can only think of the song ‘Imagine,...
- 10/9/2024
- by Ellise Shafer and Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
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Steve McQueen’s Blitz is the opening night film at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival, arriving with sky-high expectations. Written, produced, and directed by the award-winning filmmaker and artist, the World War II drama is set during the German air raids on London, with a cast led by Saoirse Ronan, Stephen Graham (The Irishman) and newcomer Elliott Heffernan. Blitz seeks to explore both personal and collective trauma during the London Blitz, but the end result oscillates between impactful moments and underwhelming narrative execution.
Blitz tells a story of survival, resilience, and the emotional ties between a mother and son amid wartime chaos. The film follows George (played by Heffernan), a young boy who embarks on a dangerous journey through London during the Nazi bombing campaign. Separated from his family and thrust into peril, George’s mother Rita (Ronan) launches a desperate search for her child. Alongside her, we meet characters...
Blitz tells a story of survival, resilience, and the emotional ties between a mother and son amid wartime chaos. The film follows George (played by Heffernan), a young boy who embarks on a dangerous journey through London during the Nazi bombing campaign. Separated from his family and thrust into peril, George’s mother Rita (Ronan) launches a desperate search for her child. Alongside her, we meet characters...
- 10/9/2024
- by Linda Marric
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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London film festival
The director unexpectedly channels The Railway Children as Saoirse Ronan stars as the single mother whose son is evacuated, only to run away in a perilous bid to find her
Steve McQueen finds the key of C major for this well made and unashamedly old-fashioned wartime adventure, heartfelt and rousing and – yes – a bit trad overall, sometimes even channelling the spirit of Lionel Jeffries’s The Railway Children, although for me that’s no put-down.
This is a film about the blitz of 1940 which tries to restate the accepted imagery, the dramatic stock footage and familiar ideas but also absorb revisionist approaches – themselves increasingly accepted nowadays: it evokes the way that the British wartime authorities reverently invoked the loyalty of empire and Commonwealth but maintained a casually racist attitude to actual people of colour.
The cheerful obedience of the London East End working class was sentimentally taken...
The director unexpectedly channels The Railway Children as Saoirse Ronan stars as the single mother whose son is evacuated, only to run away in a perilous bid to find her
Steve McQueen finds the key of C major for this well made and unashamedly old-fashioned wartime adventure, heartfelt and rousing and – yes – a bit trad overall, sometimes even channelling the spirit of Lionel Jeffries’s The Railway Children, although for me that’s no put-down.
This is a film about the blitz of 1940 which tries to restate the accepted imagery, the dramatic stock footage and familiar ideas but also absorb revisionist approaches – themselves increasingly accepted nowadays: it evokes the way that the British wartime authorities reverently invoked the loyalty of empire and Commonwealth but maintained a casually racist attitude to actual people of colour.
The cheerful obedience of the London East End working class was sentimentally taken...
- 10/9/2024
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
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Steve McQueen is back in the director’s chair for an alternately compelling and cliché-peppered WWII drama. Here’s our Blitz review.
It’s worth mentioning now that this isn’t 2011 “cop-killer versus killer-cop” Jason Statham vehicle of the same name, because these two films could hardly be more different. If video rentals were still around, we’d be seeing a lot of very confused fans from both camps.
Parts of Blitz (2024), though, are just as thrilling as watching the Stath run around after a London-based serial killer, if you can imagine such a thing. Using a conflicted mother (Saoirse Ronan)’s hunt for her runaway eight-year-old as a setup, McQueen’s latest is something of an anthology film disguised as a conventional A-to-b drama. On his travels, young George (Elliott Heffernan) encounters folk from across the capital’s social strata, from a kindly air raid warden (Benjamin Clementine) to...
It’s worth mentioning now that this isn’t 2011 “cop-killer versus killer-cop” Jason Statham vehicle of the same name, because these two films could hardly be more different. If video rentals were still around, we’d be seeing a lot of very confused fans from both camps.
Parts of Blitz (2024), though, are just as thrilling as watching the Stath run around after a London-based serial killer, if you can imagine such a thing. Using a conflicted mother (Saoirse Ronan)’s hunt for her runaway eight-year-old as a setup, McQueen’s latest is something of an anthology film disguised as a conventional A-to-b drama. On his travels, young George (Elliott Heffernan) encounters folk from across the capital’s social strata, from a kindly air raid warden (Benjamin Clementine) to...
- 10/9/2024
- by James Harvey
- Film Stories
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After exploring the ramifications of the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in his 4 1/2-hour 2023 documentary Occupied City, director-writer Steve McQueen returns to the era for his latest narrative feature Blitz, which takes us to the German Blitzkrieg of London as seen through the innocent eyes of a young boy who must survive it. The movie was the opening-night attraction of the London Film Festival, and will also be making its North American premiere later this month at the New York Film Festival. It begins a three-week theatrical window November 1 ahead of its streaming debut on Apple TV+ November 22.
Movies have centered on this dark period in British history before, and notably a Best Picture Oscar-nominated film, Hope And Glory in 1987, detailed it in a lighter fashion (if there could be one) with director John Boorman’s own semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story as a 9-year-old experiencing the Blitz.
McQueen researched the period heavily...
Movies have centered on this dark period in British history before, and notably a Best Picture Oscar-nominated film, Hope And Glory in 1987, detailed it in a lighter fashion (if there could be one) with director John Boorman’s own semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story as a 9-year-old experiencing the Blitz.
McQueen researched the period heavily...
- 10/9/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
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Steve McQueen said he prefers a collaborative style of filmmaking, saying that “being a director is not about being an arsehole”.
“Once you have a situation where everyone’s together – I’ll take a good idea from anybody,” said UK filmmaker McQueen, at a Screen Talk ahead of the world premiere of his new film Blitz, opening the 68th BFI London Film Festival this evening.
“A director is not about being an arsehole. A director is about listening and feeling and smelling and tasting…There are too many arseholes, trust me,” said the director, who did not name names.
This...
“Once you have a situation where everyone’s together – I’ll take a good idea from anybody,” said UK filmmaker McQueen, at a Screen Talk ahead of the world premiere of his new film Blitz, opening the 68th BFI London Film Festival this evening.
“A director is not about being an arsehole. A director is about listening and feeling and smelling and tasting…There are too many arseholes, trust me,” said the director, who did not name names.
This...
- 10/9/2024
- ScreenDaily
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Oscar- and BAFTA Award-winning British writer and director Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave, Hunger, Shame, Small Axe, Uprising, Occupied City) got a huge applause in honor of his birthday on Wednesday during a BFI London Film Festival event.
He spoke during a “Screen Talk” Wednesday afternoon and press conference ahead of the world premiere of his new movie Blitz — starring Saoirse Ronan, Stephen Graham, Elliot Heffernan and Benjamin Clementine — which is the opening film of the 68th edition of the London fest (Lff).
The movie, McQueen’s third Lff opening film, follows 9-year-old George (Heffernan) in wartime London after his mother Rita (Ronan) sends him as an evacuee to safety in the English countryside. Defiant and determined to get back home on his own to his mother and grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, George encounters real danger as a distraught Rita tries to find her footloose son.
He spoke during a “Screen Talk” Wednesday afternoon and press conference ahead of the world premiere of his new movie Blitz — starring Saoirse Ronan, Stephen Graham, Elliot Heffernan and Benjamin Clementine — which is the opening film of the 68th edition of the London fest (Lff).
The movie, McQueen’s third Lff opening film, follows 9-year-old George (Heffernan) in wartime London after his mother Rita (Ronan) sends him as an evacuee to safety in the English countryside. Defiant and determined to get back home on his own to his mother and grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, George encounters real danger as a distraught Rita tries to find her footloose son.
- 10/9/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Saoirse Ronan, young co-star Elliot Heffernan, Stephen Graham, and Benjamin Clementine, the stars of Steve McQueen’s new film Blitz, along with the writer and director, met the press in London Wednesday mid-day for a press conference ahead of the drama’s evening world premiere that will open the 68th edition of the BFI London Film Festival (Lff).
The movie follows 9-year-old George (Heffernan) in wartime London after his mother Rita (Ronan) sends him as an evacuee to safety in the English countryside. Defiant and determined to get back home on his own to his mother and grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, George encounters real danger as a distraught Rita tries to find her footloose son.
What was it like to play a woman in war? “I’m sure [it was] incredibly trying for these young women” who stepped into jobs and roles previously filled by men who had to go to war,...
The movie follows 9-year-old George (Heffernan) in wartime London after his mother Rita (Ronan) sends him as an evacuee to safety in the English countryside. Defiant and determined to get back home on his own to his mother and grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, George encounters real danger as a distraught Rita tries to find her footloose son.
What was it like to play a woman in war? “I’m sure [it was] incredibly trying for these young women” who stepped into jobs and roles previously filled by men who had to go to war,...
- 10/9/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Saoirse Ronan discussed the relevance of Steve McQueen’s WWII drama “Blitz” amid escalating global conflict during a BFI London Film Festival press conference, saying that it was her first time not being able to “escape” from a project.
“The thing that made this so real as a filming experience is that you’d shoot certain scenes where there’s total chaos and pandemonium and we’re having to portray characters in abject fear and horror, and then you would leave set and you’d turn on the radio and you’d hear exactly the same thing, and you’d put on the news and you’d see exactly the same thing,” she said. “It was the first time I’d ever had an experience on a project where there wasn’t really an escape from it.”
Ronan stars in the historical drama as Rita, a distraught mother who frantically...
“The thing that made this so real as a filming experience is that you’d shoot certain scenes where there’s total chaos and pandemonium and we’re having to portray characters in abject fear and horror, and then you would leave set and you’d turn on the radio and you’d hear exactly the same thing, and you’d put on the news and you’d see exactly the same thing,” she said. “It was the first time I’d ever had an experience on a project where there wasn’t really an escape from it.”
Ronan stars in the historical drama as Rita, a distraught mother who frantically...
- 10/9/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
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Steve McQueen is set to open the BFI London Film Festival on Wednesday night with a world premiere — and it’s not his first time doing so. But his new film “Blitz” is very different from crime thriller “Widows,” which lifted the curtain back in 2018.
“Blitz” is set in WWII London as it came under devastating nightly attacks from German bomber planes, with a population that was forced to seek shelter underground not knowing what would be left of the city they returned to each morning. Taking place over just a few days, the visceral drama follows a 9-year-old boy — played by newcomer Elliot Heffernan — sent off to safety in the countryside but determined to return home to find his mother (Saoirse Ronan), who likewise is desperately searching for her missing son amid the chaos and carnage.
For the Oscar-winning and two-time BAFTA-winning McQueen, the idea of “Blitz” first began...
“Blitz” is set in WWII London as it came under devastating nightly attacks from German bomber planes, with a population that was forced to seek shelter underground not knowing what would be left of the city they returned to each morning. Taking place over just a few days, the visceral drama follows a 9-year-old boy — played by newcomer Elliot Heffernan — sent off to safety in the countryside but determined to return home to find his mother (Saoirse Ronan), who likewise is desperately searching for her missing son amid the chaos and carnage.
For the Oscar-winning and two-time BAFTA-winning McQueen, the idea of “Blitz” first began...
- 10/8/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
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Pedro Almodóvar (holding up a copy of Sigrid Nunez's What Are You Going Through) with Tilda Swinton, Julianne Moore and John Turturro at The Room Next Door press conference
Film at Lincoln Center has announced that Pedro Almodóvar is the recipient of the 50th Chaplin Award. Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door (adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s What Are You Going Through and Golden Lion winner at the Venice International Film Festival), starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton with John Turturro, Alex Høgh Andersen, and Alessandro Nivola, was the Centerpiece Gala selection of the 62nd New York Film Festival.
Pedro Almodóvar on Alice Tully Hall in The Room Next Door: “It was perfect to say we are in the heart of New York.” Photo: Anne Katrin Titze
RaMell Ross’s adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel Nickel Boys, starring Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Hamish Linklater,...
Film at Lincoln Center has announced that Pedro Almodóvar is the recipient of the 50th Chaplin Award. Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door (adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s What Are You Going Through and Golden Lion winner at the Venice International Film Festival), starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton with John Turturro, Alex Høgh Andersen, and Alessandro Nivola, was the Centerpiece Gala selection of the 62nd New York Film Festival.
Pedro Almodóvar on Alice Tully Hall in The Room Next Door: “It was perfect to say we are in the heart of New York.” Photo: Anne Katrin Titze
RaMell Ross’s adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel Nickel Boys, starring Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Hamish Linklater,...
- 10/7/2024
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
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The trailer for Saoirse Ronan‘s new movie has been released!
The 30-year-old Oscar-nominated actress star in Apple’s upcoming World War II drama Blitz, written and directed by Oscar and BAFTA winner Steve McQueen.
Here’s the synopsis: “Sir Steve McQueen’s Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.”
Keep reading to find out more…The movie also stars Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman, and Sally Messham.
If you missed it,...
The 30-year-old Oscar-nominated actress star in Apple’s upcoming World War II drama Blitz, written and directed by Oscar and BAFTA winner Steve McQueen.
Here’s the synopsis: “Sir Steve McQueen’s Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.”
Keep reading to find out more…The movie also stars Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman, and Sally Messham.
If you missed it,...
- 9/21/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
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Steve McQueen’s World War II epic Blitz lands in November, and here’s the first trailer for the film right here.
Just yesterday we reported that Steve McQueen could be heading to the small screen, collaborating with Amazon Studios on a TV series with something of a dystopian bent. While we wouldn’t be opposed to seeing McQueen tackle long-form storytelling, we’re first looking forward to what is surely his most commercial feature film, the epic World War II drama, Blitz.
As the title suggests, the action will be set amid the horrendous bombings that rained down on London (and other British cities) throughout World War II.
The synopsis for the film reads as such:
Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and...
Just yesterday we reported that Steve McQueen could be heading to the small screen, collaborating with Amazon Studios on a TV series with something of a dystopian bent. While we wouldn’t be opposed to seeing McQueen tackle long-form storytelling, we’re first looking forward to what is surely his most commercial feature film, the epic World War II drama, Blitz.
As the title suggests, the action will be set amid the horrendous bombings that rained down on London (and other British cities) throughout World War II.
The synopsis for the film reads as such:
Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and...
- 9/20/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
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The official poster for the forthcoming release Blitz from director Steve McQueen, starring Saoirse Ronan, has just been released.
Sir Steve McQueen’s Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Written and directed by Academy and BAFTA Award-winning McQueen, the film stars Academy and BAFTA Award nominee Ronan and newcomer Heffernan, with Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Weller, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman and Sally Messham rounding out the cast. McQueen’s Lammas Park produces alongside...
Sir Steve McQueen’s Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Written and directed by Academy and BAFTA Award-winning McQueen, the film stars Academy and BAFTA Award nominee Ronan and newcomer Heffernan, with Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Weller, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman and Sally Messham rounding out the cast. McQueen’s Lammas Park produces alongside...
- 9/19/2024
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
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Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen is back with “Blitz,” his first feature film since 2018’s “Widows” and one of the awards season’s most-anticipated titles. The first trailer for “Blitz” debuted on Thursday.
Set in 1940s London, “Blitz” “follows the epic journey of George (newcomer Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan), sends him to safety in the English countryside,” reads the official synopsis provided by Apple Original Films. “George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.”
“Blitz” is set to premiere at the London Film Festival on October 9 before it closes out the New York Film on October 10. It will then have a limited theatrical release on November 1 before Apple adds...
Set in 1940s London, “Blitz” “follows the epic journey of George (newcomer Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother, Rita (Saoirse Ronan), sends him to safety in the English countryside,” reads the official synopsis provided by Apple Original Films. “George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.”
“Blitz” is set to premiere at the London Film Festival on October 9 before it closes out the New York Film on October 10. It will then have a limited theatrical release on November 1 before Apple adds...
- 9/19/2024
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
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Here’s a first look at the brand new trailer for Blitz.
Sir Steve McQueen’s film follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Apple Original Films’ Blitz will debut in select theaters November 1, 2024 before premiering globally on Apple TV+ November 22, 2024.
Written and directed by Academy and BAFTA Award-winning McQueen, the film stars Academy and BAFTA Award nominee Ronan and newcomer Heffernan, with Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Weller, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman and Sally Messham rounding out the cast.
Sir Steve McQueen’s film follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Apple Original Films’ Blitz will debut in select theaters November 1, 2024 before premiering globally on Apple TV+ November 22, 2024.
Written and directed by Academy and BAFTA Award-winning McQueen, the film stars Academy and BAFTA Award nominee Ronan and newcomer Heffernan, with Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Weller, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman and Sally Messham rounding out the cast.
- 9/19/2024
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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In the first trailer for Blitz, director Steve McQueen’s latest historical drama, Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan and newcomer Elliott Heffernan play a mother and nine-year-old son racing to find each other as Nazi Germany bombards London. The clip shows Heffernan as a young boy named George, seemingly finding an ally in a man in uniform played by Benjamin Clementine. The film also stars Harris Dickinson, Erin Kellyman, Stephen Graham, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller (yes, the former Jam frontman), and Leigh Gill.
McQueen wrote, directed and produced Blitz, the British...
McQueen wrote, directed and produced Blitz, the British...
- 9/19/2024
- by Mankaprr Conteh
- Rollingstone.com
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Apple has released the official trailer for Academy and BAFTA Award-winning Steve McQueen’s ‘Blitz.’
The movie follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril. At the same time, a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Written and directed by McQueen, the film stars Academy and BAFTA Award nominee Ronan and newcomer Heffernan, with Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Weller, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman and Sally Messham rounding out the cast.
Also in trailers – Robert Pattinson stars in trailer for Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Mickey 17...
The movie follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside. George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril. At the same time, a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Written and directed by McQueen, the film stars Academy and BAFTA Award nominee Ronan and newcomer Heffernan, with Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Weller, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman and Sally Messham rounding out the cast.
Also in trailers – Robert Pattinson stars in trailer for Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Mickey 17...
- 9/19/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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Apple Original Films has revealed the trailer and poster for Blitz, the new historical drama from writer and director Sir Steve McQueen Cbe. The film will debut in select theaters on November 1, 2024, before premiering globally on Apple TV+ on November 22.
Blitz has been rated PG-13 for thematic elements, including some racism, violence, some strong language, brief sexuality, and smoking.
Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside.
George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Written and directed by Academy and BAFTA Award-winning McQueen, the film stars Academy and BAFTA Award nominee Saoirse Ronan and newcomer Elliott Heffernan.
Blitz has been rated PG-13 for thematic elements, including some racism, violence, some strong language, brief sexuality, and smoking.
Blitz follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Saoirse Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside.
George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.
Written and directed by Academy and BAFTA Award-winning McQueen, the film stars Academy and BAFTA Award nominee Saoirse Ronan and newcomer Elliott Heffernan.
- 9/19/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
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"My Mom sent me away." "She did it to keep you safe." Apple has finally unveiled the official trailer for the movie Blitz, the next cinematic creation from maestro Steve McQueen. It's set to premiere soon at the 2024 New York & London Film Festivals this fall, before opening in theaters in early November and streaming on Apple TV+ later that month. The new film follows the stories of a group of Londoners during the events of the London bombing in World War II (from 1940 to 1941). A defiant young boy goes on an adventure running around London during the war only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son. Saoirse Ronan stars as Rita, along with Elliott Heffernan as her 9-year-old son George. The full ensemble cast for this includes Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford,...
- 9/19/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
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Saoirse Ronan plays a distraught mother searching for her missing son in World War II East London in the trailer for Steve McQueen’s Blitz, which dropped on Thursday.
The drama follows George, a 9-year-old boy, played by Elliot Heffernan, in wartime London after his mother Rita (Ronan) sends him as an evacuee to safety in the English countryside. But defiant and determined to get back home on his own to his mother and grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, George encounters real danger as a distraught Rita tries to find her footloose son as he faces mounting peril.
“Why can’t you tell me, where’s my boy?” Rita pleads with London police officers at one point in the trailer. Meanwhile, George is seen scurrying for shelter alongside other Londoners in underground subway stations or bombed-out buildings as German Luftwaffe planes continue to bomb the British capital’s east end.
The drama follows George, a 9-year-old boy, played by Elliot Heffernan, in wartime London after his mother Rita (Ronan) sends him as an evacuee to safety in the English countryside. But defiant and determined to get back home on his own to his mother and grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, George encounters real danger as a distraught Rita tries to find her footloose son as he faces mounting peril.
“Why can’t you tell me, where’s my boy?” Rita pleads with London police officers at one point in the trailer. Meanwhile, George is seen scurrying for shelter alongside other Londoners in underground subway stations or bombed-out buildings as German Luftwaffe planes continue to bomb the British capital’s east end.
- 9/19/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Steve McQueen’s “Blitz,” a historical drama taking place as Nazi Germany bombed London during World War II, has released its first trailer.
The Apple Original film stars Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan as Rita, a distraught mother who frantically searches for her 9-year-old son George (newcomer Elliott Heffernan) after sending him to the countryside during the Blitz. The cast also includes Harris Dickinson, Erin Kellyman, Stephen Graham, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, Leigh Gill and Benjamin Clementine.
McQueen wrote, directed and produced “Blitz,” which marks his first feature film since 2018’s “Widows.” The British filmmaker is best known for directing the 2014 film “12 Years a Slave,” which won the Academy Award for best picture and also earned him a directing nomination.
“Blitz” will world premiere on Oct. 9 as the opening night gala of this year’s BFI London Film Festival. In a statement announcing its premiere at the festival, McQueen said:...
The Apple Original film stars Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan as Rita, a distraught mother who frantically searches for her 9-year-old son George (newcomer Elliott Heffernan) after sending him to the countryside during the Blitz. The cast also includes Harris Dickinson, Erin Kellyman, Stephen Graham, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, Leigh Gill and Benjamin Clementine.
McQueen wrote, directed and produced “Blitz,” which marks his first feature film since 2018’s “Widows.” The British filmmaker is best known for directing the 2014 film “12 Years a Slave,” which won the Academy Award for best picture and also earned him a directing nomination.
“Blitz” will world premiere on Oct. 9 as the opening night gala of this year’s BFI London Film Festival. In a statement announcing its premiere at the festival, McQueen said:...
- 9/19/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
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Saoirse Ronan embraces her maternal side in the World War II drama “Blitz” from Apple Studios.
Written and directed by Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave” and “Widows” filmmaker Steve McQueen, the film follows the journey of a defiant 9-year-old boy George (Elliott Heffernan), who attempts to return home to his mother Rita (Ronan) after being sent to “safety” in the English countryside. When officials tell Rita that her son did not make “arrive at his destination,” she sets off on a mission to find him, while George finds himself in fiery trouble.
The film takes place during the WWII Blitz when the German Air Force, Luftwaffe, bombed London and other British cities from September 1940 to May 1941. The German blitzkrieg, or “lightning war,” killed an estimated 40,000 people and left more homeless and injured.
McQueen’s company Lammas Park produced the film alongside Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title Films,...
Written and directed by Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave” and “Widows” filmmaker Steve McQueen, the film follows the journey of a defiant 9-year-old boy George (Elliott Heffernan), who attempts to return home to his mother Rita (Ronan) after being sent to “safety” in the English countryside. When officials tell Rita that her son did not make “arrive at his destination,” she sets off on a mission to find him, while George finds himself in fiery trouble.
The film takes place during the WWII Blitz when the German Air Force, Luftwaffe, bombed London and other British cities from September 1940 to May 1941. The German blitzkrieg, or “lightning war,” killed an estimated 40,000 people and left more homeless and injured.
McQueen’s company Lammas Park produced the film alongside Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title Films,...
- 9/19/2024
- by Tess Patton
- The Wrap
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Steve McQueen is debuting his latest period piece, this time starring Saoirse Ronan.
McQueen writes and directs “Blitz,” which follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside.
Per the official synopsis, “George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.”
Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman, and Sally Messham also star.
Academy Award winner McQueen reunites with production designer Adam Stockhausen, costume designer Jacqueline Durran (“Small Axe”), and composer Hans Zimmer (“12 Years a Slave”) for the production. The feature is also a reunion...
McQueen writes and directs “Blitz,” which follows the epic journey of George (Elliott Heffernan), a 9-year-old boy in World War II London whose mother Rita (Ronan) sends him to safety in the English countryside.
Per the official synopsis, “George, defiant and determined to return home to his mom and his grandfather Gerald (Paul Weller) in East London, embarks on an adventure, only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.”
Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman, and Sally Messham also star.
Academy Award winner McQueen reunites with production designer Adam Stockhausen, costume designer Jacqueline Durran (“Small Axe”), and composer Hans Zimmer (“12 Years a Slave”) for the production. The feature is also a reunion...
- 9/19/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
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People always seem to be running away from explosions in historical dramas—especially World War II epics—and Steve McQueen's Blitz is no exception. The film's first trailer is full of it. Saoirse Ronan's character Rita sends her nine-year-old son George (Elliott Heffernan) away to hopeful safety when...
- 9/19/2024
- by Emma Keates
- avclub.com
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Poland’s Camerimage Film Festival has launched a new award to honor performances on the small screen and will hand the inaugural gong to Shōgun actor Hiroyuki Sanada.
Hiroyuki will receive the award at the festival’s 32nd edition, which runs November 16 to 23.
Hiroyuki is one of Japan’s most successful international exports with over fifty film credits. Beyond Shōgun, he is perhaps best known for his leading role in The Twilight Samurai, which was nominated for an Academy Award.
Alongside acting in Shōgun, Hiroyuki also produces the FX show. He earned two Emmy nominations for the series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama and Outstanding Drama Series. The show also clocked several Television Critics Association Award nominations, including Program of the Year.
Hiroyuki was last seen on the big screen in John Wick: Chapter 4 opposite Keanu Reeves and Donnie Yen. Before that, he appeared in the Sony Pictures’ action feature,...
Hiroyuki will receive the award at the festival’s 32nd edition, which runs November 16 to 23.
Hiroyuki is one of Japan’s most successful international exports with over fifty film credits. Beyond Shōgun, he is perhaps best known for his leading role in The Twilight Samurai, which was nominated for an Academy Award.
Alongside acting in Shōgun, Hiroyuki also produces the FX show. He earned two Emmy nominations for the series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama and Outstanding Drama Series. The show also clocked several Television Critics Association Award nominations, including Program of the Year.
Hiroyuki was last seen on the big screen in John Wick: Chapter 4 opposite Keanu Reeves and Donnie Yen. Before that, he appeared in the Sony Pictures’ action feature,...
- 8/22/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
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British filmmaker Steve McQueen will be feted at this year’s Camerimage Film Festival with the Outstanding Director Award for career achievement. The announcement was made this morning by the Polish festival.
“Steve McQueen is an artist known for his uncompromising engagement in tackling difficult social and political issues,” Marek Żydowicz, Camerimage Festival Director, said this morning.
“His vivid filmmaking style explores the problems of racism, violence, addiction, and inequality, constantly moving and provoking discussion, which situates him as one of the most important contemporary film creators. We couldn’t imagine a better laureate for the Special Award for Outstanding Director than Steve McQueen.”
McQueen is a Turner Prize and Oscar-winning filmmaker. His feature film debut was 2008’s Hunger, starring Michael Fassbender as a starving Ira hunger striker. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Camera D’Or. He is perhaps best known internationally for 2013’s 12 Years A Slave,...
“Steve McQueen is an artist known for his uncompromising engagement in tackling difficult social and political issues,” Marek Żydowicz, Camerimage Festival Director, said this morning.
“His vivid filmmaking style explores the problems of racism, violence, addiction, and inequality, constantly moving and provoking discussion, which situates him as one of the most important contemporary film creators. We couldn’t imagine a better laureate for the Special Award for Outstanding Director than Steve McQueen.”
McQueen is a Turner Prize and Oscar-winning filmmaker. His feature film debut was 2008’s Hunger, starring Michael Fassbender as a starving Ira hunger striker. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Camera D’Or. He is perhaps best known internationally for 2013’s 12 Years A Slave,...
- 8/1/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
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Steve McQueen’s Blitz, starring Saoirse Ronan and Elliott Heffernan will be the Closing Night selection of the 62nd New York Film Festival
Film at Lincoln Center has announced that Steve McQueen’s Blitz (shot by Yorick Le Saux and with a score by Hans Zimmer), starring Saoirse Ronan and Elliott Heffernan with Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller (of The Jam and Style Council), Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman, and Sally Messham will be the Closing Night selection of the 62nd New York Film Festival.
“It is with immense pride, gratitude, and fondness that I’m able to return to the New York Film Festival with Blitz,” said Steve McQueen. “I’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed a number of memorable experiences at the festival and with New York audiences, and I’m enormously grateful...
Film at Lincoln Center has announced that Steve McQueen’s Blitz (shot by Yorick Le Saux and with a score by Hans Zimmer), starring Saoirse Ronan and Elliott Heffernan with Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller (of The Jam and Style Council), Stephen Graham, Leigh Gill, Mica Ricketts, Cj Beckford, Alex Jennings, Joshua McGuire, Hayley Squires, Erin Kellyman, and Sally Messham will be the Closing Night selection of the 62nd New York Film Festival.
“It is with immense pride, gratitude, and fondness that I’m able to return to the New York Film Festival with Blitz,” said Steve McQueen. “I’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed a number of memorable experiences at the festival and with New York audiences, and I’m enormously grateful...
- 7/25/2024
- by Anne-Katrin Titze
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
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