The film Blitz by Steve McQueen, now streaming on Apple TV+, has sparked heated discussions online. Set during the London Blitz of 1940-1941, it offers a unique lens on World War II by focusing on the lives of ordinary people navigating chaos and survival. While McQueen’s commitment to diversity has drawn praise, it has also faced criticism from individuals accusing the film of being historically inaccurate. These debates shed light on broader issues of representation in historical cinema.

McQueen’s Bold Approach to WWII

Unlike traditional wartime films that focus on military leaders like Churchill or Montgomery, Steve McQueen’s Blitz highlights the untold stories of civilians. The narrative centers on George, a young Black boy inspired by a historical photograph of a Black evacuee during the Blitz. Supporting characters include Rita, a munitions factory worker, and Ife, a Nigerian air raid warden, reflecting the real but often overlooked diversity of wartime London.

The representation in Blitz stands in stark contrast to the broader wartime film genre. Over 90% of wartime films—from Saving Private Ryan to Dunkirk—feature white leads, focusing primarily on European or American soldiers and leaders. In such films, people of color are relegated to supporting roles or omitted entirely, erasing the contributions of millions. For example, over 2.5 million Indian soldiers and more than a million African soldiers fought in colonial armies in World War II, yet their stories remain untold in mainstream cinema. Even Dunkirk failed to include the pivotal role of Indian and African soldiers who fought alongside white troops.

A graphic featuring a quote by Steve McQueen in blue and pink text that reads, "I wasn’t interested in Churchill. I was interested in ordinary people, how they navigated their way through this hell..." Below the quote, McQueen is pictured wearing glasses and a dark jacket, with a description noting his focus on exposing the human struggle during war. The logo of Feminegra is displayed in the bottom left corner.

This overwhelming disparity highlights a systemic bias in historical storytelling, with films that center people of color in wartime narratives constituting less than 5% of the genre. When included, minority characters are often tokenized or reduced to side roles, perpetuating the whitewashing of history.

By placing characters like George and Ife at the forefront, Blitz not only challenges this tradition but also addresses the critical issue of historical erasure. Millions of people of color made sacrifices during WWII, and their exclusion from cinema misrepresents history. McQueen’s Blitz serves as a necessary correction, reminding us that wartime narratives are incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of all those who endured its horrors.

Criticism of Historical Representation

Online critics have accused the film of “blackwashing” history, arguing that London’s population during the 1940s was predominantly white. Detractors claim McQueen’s casting choices prioritize modern agendas over historical accuracy. Tweets such as, “Why change an historical event to suit today’s woke agenda?” exemplify the backlash.

However, these criticisms often ignore documented evidence of diversity in wartime Britain. According to David Olusoga, around 150,000 Black and Asian people lived in London during this period, many of whom contributed significantly to the war effort. For instance, Ita Ekpenyon, a Nigerian teacher, served as an air raid warden, a role mirrored in Blitz.

Defending McQueen’s Vision

Supporters of Blitz argue that Steve McQueen’s depiction of diversity is both accurate and necessary to challenge the long-standing erasure of minorities in wartime narratives. The film highlights stories often excluded from traditional depictions, such as how Black evacuees were sent to the countryside alongside white children, which are rooted in historical evidence. Critics who accuse McQueen of “blackwashing” history ignore the significant contributions of Black and Asian people to Britain during World War II, including over 2.5 million Indian soldiers and 500,000 African troops who served in the Allied forces.

This criticism echoes similar reactions to the inclusion of a Sikh soldier in Sam Mendes’ 1917. Actor Laurence Fox faced backlash for calling the casting of a Sikh soldier “odd” and claiming it distracted from the story. Historians were quick to point out that 130,000 Sikh men fought in World War I, making up 20% of the British Indian Army. Fox’s comments sparked outrage, with critics noting that such dismissals reveal a deep-seated bias against acknowledging the contributions of non-white soldiers.

A Timely and Universal Message

McQueen’s Blitz is not just a historical drama; it is a commentary on the universality of human suffering during war. By centering the story on a child’s gaze, McQueen forces audiences to confront the absurdity and horror of conflict. As he explains, “Killing someone’s not normal, and it should never be normal, but unfortunately we deem to normalize it.”

The film’s release also coincides with ongoing global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the genocide in Gaza. These parallels underscore the relevance of McQueen’s message: war’s impact on ordinary lives remains timeless.

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Steve McQueen’s Blitz challenges viewers to rethink traditional wartime narratives by bringing underrepresented voices to the forefront. While criticism of the film’s diversity highlights persistent biases, historical evidence supports McQueen’s vision. His work not only honors the untold stories of WWII but also fosters a more inclusive understanding of history.

The racist backlash against Blitz highlights how cinema’s efforts to embrace diversity often face resistance. Yet, as McQueen’s film demonstrates, telling these stories is vital for a fuller, more accurate portrayal of the past. Films like Blitz push the boundaries of historical storytelling, reminding us that history is richer and more complex than we often imagine.

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