There’s an intriguing allure to Saoirse Ronan’s acting journey. Whether she’s delivering sharp-witted humor in Lady Bird or embodying poetic grace in period attire in Little Women, her presence is imbued with a lively spirit that feels both light and deeply rooted. Now, with Steve McQueen’s Blitz, Ronan ventures into unfamiliar territory while bearing the weight of history’s shadows. Set amidst the turbulent era of WWII, Ronan breathes her signature offbeat brilliance into the character of Rita, a young mother in wartime London seeking her lost son amid the wreckage left by devastating bombings.
McQueen’s Blitz is an evocative cinematic experience, interweaving elements of reverence and adventure. The movie captures the chaotic essence of war through the innocent but observant eyes of Rita’s son, George, played by newcomer Elliott Heffernan. Yet, it is Ronan’s portrayal of Rita that truly forms the heart of the narrative, enriching a character that might otherwise have been overwhelmed by the typical trappings of a war drama.
Eschewing the well-worn paths of stoic wartime archetypes, McQueen focuses on Rita, who faces not just the physical battles of the era but the daily fight for survival and fleeting moments of joy, like the chance to sing. Ronan’s candid performance offers a refreshing perspective. The six-time Academy Award nominee confesses that if it had been another predictable war story of men on the frontlines while the women remained passive at home, she wouldn’t have been involved.
Rita, portrayed by Ronan, is far from submissive; she is a resilient woman who fell in love with a West Indian seaman at 17, raising their son in a London that was unkind to both love and diversity. Through George’s journey, the film examines not just the brutal realities of war, but also the quieter violence experienced by a child who realizes he is not universally accepted. In this unexpected narrative, Ronan found herself immersed in a project that, akin to her illustrious career, defies expectations and could potentially garner more Oscar nods as awards season approaches.
In a recent conversation, Saoirse discusses developing an authentic friendship with her young co-star, joining forces with Emmy-winning composer Nicholas Britell for musical endeavors, and the crucial need to amplify unheard voices amid conflicts.
On set with newcomer Elliott, Saoirse took on a nurturing role, protecting his on-set experience to ensure it mirrored the positive early encounters that set her own path in the industry.
. Reflecting on her understanding of having been in his shoes as a young lead actor, she emphasizes the importance of being a supportive ally, highlighting how their formed friendship influenced their on-screen chemistry.
Ronan touches on maintaining a light-hearted environment for Elliott, given the film’s heavy thematic content, especially in the context of contemporary conflicts like the war in Ukraine, which loomed large in their minds. The immediacy of social media makes global tragedies more intimate, adding layers to their portrayal of war’s aftermath.
Reflecting on her role, Ronan discusses how WWII prompted a shift in gender dynamics, with women stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men, granting them newfound independence. This transformation fundamentally altered women’s perceptions and expectations post-war, offering insights that resonated deeply when embodied through her character, Rita.
Collaborating with Nicholas Britell on the film’s music proved to be a delightful experience for Ronan, who highlights Britell’s ability to craft a distinctly modern sound infused with British wartime influences. She praises his flexibility and collaborative nature, which empowered her, despite not being a professional singer, to contribute confidently to the film’s musical dimension. According to director Steve McQueen, the integration of musical elements was crucial, much like in their previous collaboration on 12 Years a Slave, with Hans Zimmer’s personal experiences enriching the film’s score.
Costume designer Jacqueline Durran brings authenticity and emotional depth to Rita’s wardrobe, mirroring her strength and resilience — shaped by personal loss, love, and discrimination. Durran and Ronan collaborated closely, carrying on a relationship forged through years of projects, ensuring Rita’s visual story was poignant and true to her journey.
Saoirse reflects on the storytelling culture and the transformative power of art in times of hardship, emphasizing its role in fostering connections and understanding through accessible creative expressions. Reinforcing the narrative, she underscores the pivotal role of those left behind during war, whose perseverance in the face of fear and loss she deeply admires.
Expressing relief from the pressures of accolades, Ronan admits her focus has shifted to engaging audiences with films like Blitz, encouraging cinema-goers to connect with stories at a deeper level. With its release scheduled for Apple TV on November 22, 2024, Blitz promises to offer viewers an introspective cinematic journey into the heart of war and human endurance. The film’s recent premiere evokes anticipation for its impact both with audiences and potentially within the awards circuit.
