Steve McQueen’s messily truncated Blitz still has its moving virtues
Steve McQueen’s early works were characterized by their intense and challenging themes. In a spiritual trilogy that included “Hunger,” “Shame,” and “12 Years a Slave,” he portrayed deeply troubled individuals who were secluded from the larger society due to enslavement, sex addiction, or imprisonment. However, after “12 Years a Slave” gained critical acclaim, McQueen changed his creative pace somewhat. While his films still reflect harsh realities, he has begun to highlight the lighter aspects of humanity. For example, the camaraderie forced upon characters in “Widows,” or the sensual connections depicted in “Lovers Rock.” In 2023, McQueen released a documentary titled “Occupied City” that spanned over four hours and focused on everyday life in contemporary Amsterdam.