The first trailer for Blitz, a new World War II film directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen, has been released, offering a sneak peek into the gripping historical drama. And, what’s even better the Yorkshire city of Hull is used as the backdrop for 1940’s London.
Blitz tells the poignant story of a mother’s determination to protect her son in the face of unimaginable danger. Saoirse Ronan, a multiple Oscar-nominated actress, stars as Rita, a distraught mother who sends her defiant nine-year-old son, George, played by newcomer Elliott Heffernan, to the countryside in a desperate attempt to keep him safe.
When George goes missing, Rita embarks on a frantic search to reunite with her child. The intense drama also stars Harris Dickinson, Erin Kellyman, Stephen Graham, Kathy Burke, Paul Weller, Leigh Gill, and Benjamin Clementine in a richly talented ensemble cast.
The film not only marks a return to historical storytelling for McQueen, director of the Academy Award-winning 12 Years a Slave, but also represents a compelling personal project. Alongside Blitz, McQueen has explored the impact of Nazi occupation in another recent work, Occupied City, a documentary focusing on Amsterdam under Nazi control.
Much of the film’s immersive wartime setting was brought to life through clever use of Hull’s streets and landmarks, which is fitting as Hull was one of the UK cities that was most heavily bombed in the Blitz. Hull’s Old Town and Paragon Railway Station feature heavily in the trailer and were transformed into wartime London back in February 2023.
These locations were adorned with vintage red buses, period street furniture, and 1940s propaganda posters to reflect the era. The level of detail in recreating the Blitz’s atmosphere highlights Hull’s versatility as a filming location.
In recent years, Hull has earned the nickname ‘Hullywood‘, thanks to its growing popularity with filmmakers. Productions such as The Crown and Enola Holmes 2 have utilised the city’s unique charm, with streets like High Street and Queen Victoria Square standing in for historical settings. The use of Hull in Blitz cements its growing reputation as a go-to destination for British period dramas.
“Blitz” is scheduled to premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on 9 October 2024, giving audiences their first look at McQueen’s latest historical epic. Following its festival debut, the film will arrive in cinemas on 1 November 2024 before becoming available for streaming on Apple TV starting on 22 November.
Check out the trailer for Blitz filmed in Hull below:
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