Saoirse Ronan: 'I refused to do one thing playing a mother in Blitz'

Hollywood actress Saoirse Ronan, who portrays the mother Rita in Sir Steve McQueen’s World War Two film Blitz, aimed to create a genuine sense of realism for her character. After years of observing unrealistic representations of mothers in movies, she was determined to make Rita feel authentic.

At 30 years old, the Irish actress has famously portrayed several unforgettable literary and film characters, such as Jo March in Little Women and the title role in Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird. However, things are changing as she takes on the spotlight in Blitz, where she plays a fictional mother. This marks her first significant role in that capacity.

In Blitz, which takes place in London during the 1940s, Rita is a young mother to her nine-year-old son, George (Elliot Heffernan). Following her husband’s deportation, she is now living with her father (Paul Weller) as they navigate life together.

As the airstrikes in the capital intensify, George is taken to safety in the countryside. However, the connection between him and his mother remains strong. Determined to be with her again, George sets out on a challenging journey to find her, and together they battle against the obstacles in their way to reunite.

It's clear that the connection between Rita and George is central to this powerful war story.

Saoirse, having been a part of the industry since her childhood, found motivation in the female actors who previously portrayed mothers alongside her. She aimed to bring a genuine element to her performance by reflecting their influence.

To watch this video, please turn on JavaScript and think about upgrading to a web browser that is compatible with HTML5 video.

"In my experience with female actors throughout the years, I've noticed those who possess a genuine nurturing instinct, even when I was young like Elliot. It was clear to me who had that quality," she shared with Metro and other media during the Blitz press conference before the film's world premiere at the London Film Festival on Wednesday night.

She went on to say, "There were actresses who would say things like 'Sweetie' in this high-pitched voice, and it all came off as very artificial."

"I promised myself that whenever I played a mother, I would avoid that. I aimed for authenticity. I wanted to portray my own mother and the amazing women I know in my life."

Saoirse regarded Rita as she would any other role she’s taken on.

Actor Peter Mullan once said, “Playing a king doesn’t mean you have to act like one.” She went on to explain that he still has to get dressed in the morning just like everyone else.

The Outrun star was "deeply interested and eager to learn from the mothers in her vicinity." She frequently inquired about their experiences, but that was only one part of her journey.

She mentioned her desire to explore the nature of her relationship with Elliot, and that the filmmaker Sir Steve would shape the project based on their dynamic.

The actor from Foe expressed that he drew inspiration from the natural interactions and connections that developed as they got to know one another. What emerged between them was simply a friendship.

I also realized that Rita was quite young when she became a mother to George, and I didn't want to overlook the vibrant energy of this young woman.

We talked about the grief we experienced as a family and the sadness of losing her mother at such a young age. We discussed how she had to take on that role and discover a deep inner strength that developed gradually.

It was really about us coming together in the comfort of our rehearsal space and figuring out, "Who is this character? What will she be like, and how can we develop her from that?" Everything felt natural; nothing seemed forced or artificial.

During another part of the press conference, Saoirse acknowledged that while she occasionally feels a bit weary from the demands of the high-pressure industry, collaborating with a young person has reignited her passion and excitement for her work.

She mentioned, "When a young person starts their first job, it brings back memories of why you chose this path in the first place."

"They bring back all the affection you have for your work and highlight why it's such a remarkable career. This is why I truly appreciate my time with young people; it reignites that passion within you."

The incredible talent of Saoirse, Elliot, Sir Steve, and the entire cast and crew undoubtedly brought the film to life in a remarkable way.

Metro's film reviewer, Tori Brazier, awarded the movie a perfect five-star rating, describing it as 'a heartfelt tribute to London' and praising Saoirse as 'one of the most talented performers of her generation.'

For Sir Steve, the director of the Oscar-winning film 12 Years A Slave, the idea for this project first took root in 2004 when he was immersed in the brutal realities of the Iraq War as a war artist.

"In this region, finding yourself in a war zone is quite rare. So there I was, in a place they refer to as 'theatre'—a rather poetic term for being in the midst of conflict—surrounded by British soldiers from various parts of the UK, each with their own unique accents," he shared with an captivated crowd.

It was the first moment he experienced a feeling of national pride and a sense of brotherhood as a British citizen, even though he recognized the irony of these feelings considering he was in the midst of a war.

The renowned director explained, "That sparked my interest in exploring the experiences of civilians during wartime. I began reflecting on Britain in the 1940s and what was unfolding in my hometown of London."

During my research for the BAFTA-winning drama Small Axe, I came across a striking photograph of a young Black child at a train station, dressed in a big coat and carrying a too-large briefcase as they were being evacuated. It struck me, and I couldn't help but wonder, "Who is this child? I want to understand the war from their perspective."

In the end, his goal was to reconnect it with someone who has promising prospects ahead.

The highly acclaimed film strikes a chord with today's viewers, drawing striking similarities between the struggles of families during World War Two and the challenges faced by those living in contemporary conflict areas, which are frequently highlighted in the news.

"You'd turn on the news and see the same stories over and over. It was the first time I worked on a project where there was no way to get away from it," Saoirse confessed, noting that it gave her a strong drive to keep working on the film.

Saoirse is set to vie for the Best Supporting Actress award at the Oscars for her performance in Blitz.

Blitz will debut in theaters on November 1 and will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting November 22.

If you have a story, video, or photos related to a celebrity, reach out to the entertainment team at Metro.co.uk. You can email us at [email protected], call us at 020 3615 2145, or check out our Submit Stuff page. We’re excited to hear from you!

MORE: This attractive young duo in the acting world might just be the next James Bond and his adversary.

Discover: 7 must-see clown horror movies that enthusiasts should check out after Terrifier 3.

Oscar-nominee shares that she missed the opportunity to land a significant role in Harry Potter after an unsuccessful audition.