'Haunting masterpiece' war film hailed 'best ever made' leaves fans in tears

Apple TV users have access to "one of the best war films ever made". Blitz, released in 2024, depicts the story of a nine-year-old boy named George Hanway who is sent to the English countryside for his safety during World War II. However, George is determined to return home to his mother Rita and grandfather Gerald, embarking on an adventure to reunite with his family. However, he finds himself in immense peril during the height of Nazi bombings, while a distraught Rita desperately searches for her son.

Elliot Heffernan stars as George and Saoirse Ronan gives one of her greatest performances as Rita. Other members of the cast include Paul Weller as Gerald, Stephen Graham, Harris Dickinson and Kathy Burke. The Steve McQueen-directed film received positive reviews, with critics praising the cast's performances and depiction of London during the Blitz. While it is not based on a true story, the film was inspired by The Blitz - a bombing campaign by Nazi Germany against the United Kingdom during the Second World War.

The bombings began in September 1940 and lasted for eight months until May 1941. More than 40,000 civilians were killed, with around 30,000 dying in London.

The synopsis for Blitz reads: "In World War II London, nine-year-old George is evacuated to the countryside by his mother, Rita, to escape the bombings. Defiant and determined to return to his family, George embarks on a journey back home as Rita searches for him."

The film has been lauded online, with one writing: "Steve McQueen....what a haunting, yet beautiful masterpiece. Saoirse Ronan and Elliott Heffernan with gifted performances. Some scenes definitely had me in tears."

Expressing their admiration for the film, another shared: "Captured in great detail the suffering of East End Londoners during the early stages of WWII. Enjoyed the wide sweep of experiences shown and the superb acting throughout. Excellent action sequences tied in with the strong juxtaposition of compassionate versus evil characters. The boy's treacherous adventure home is well centered in the midst of his mother's desperate love for him. Overall, a powerfully well done film that I will certainly add to my collection."

The Telegraph's Robbie Collin described it as one of the best war films ever made, branding it "a thrilling, moving, morally provoking odyssey through Britain at war".

A fourth echoed: "Brilliant, absorbing drama. The young boy who plays the main character is fantastic and the film cleverly touches on issues of race, wartime spirit, privilege and most powerfully of all a mother's (and grandfather's) love for their child. Oh, and if it needed reinforcing, it reminds you why Soairse Ronan is rightly regarded as one of the finest actresses of her generation. It's a must watch"

Another said: "Incredible - moving and heart-stopping. I've never seen a film that depicts so realistically the plight of ordinary people during WW11."