Streaming giant Netflix has launched “Britain and the Blitz,” a new documentary offering a visceral look at the World War II bombing campaign using vividly restored archival material, including color footage, and first-hand accounts from survivors. Produced by the acclaimed 72 Films, the 77-minute British production marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Netflix’s new documentary, “Britain and the Blitz,” revisits the harrowing German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom during World War II. The documentary focuses on the Blitz period from September 1940 to May 1941.
The documentary aims for an “immersive” experience, utilizing meticulously restored archival footage and powerful testimonies from those who lived through the attacks. This approach, emphasized in promotional materials, seeks to emotionally connect viewers with the historical events by going beyond traditional documentary formats.
Released in the year of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the film serves as both a historical document and an act of commemoration.
Restored Footage Brings the Past to Life
A central pillar of “Britain and the Blitz” is its use of “vividly restored” archival material, offering viewers striking clarity. Significantly, the documentary incorporates color footage, providing a stark contrast to the typical black-and-white images of the era and potentially reshaping viewers’ perceptions.
The restored footage depicts the devastating reality of the Blitz: London streets reduced to rubble, intense aerial dogfights, firefighters battling urban infernos, and the daily struggle of civilians seeking refuge from air raids.
The production company, 72 Films, brings proven expertise in handling historical archives. Their previous collaboration with Netflix, World War II: From the Frontlines, won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Graphic Design and Musical Composition, highlighting their skill in restoring and presenting such material. The use of color and advanced restoration aims to make the past feel more immediate and relatable for modern audiences, enhancing the film’s immersive quality.
Survivor Voices Provide the Emotional Core
The documentary features first-hand accounts and testimonies from Blitz survivors, preserving their experiences as living memory fades. These personal narratives form the emotional heart of the film.
Viewers hear poignant recollections, such as a man describing his childhood terror when a bomb fell near his school, and witness the lasting impact through moments like an elderly survivor overcome with emotion recalling the past. These intimate stories anchor the large-scale historical events in personal human experience.
Historical audio, including period radio broadcasts, the chilling threats of Adolf Hitler, and the iconic speeches of Winston Churchill, are interwoven with these personal accounts. This juxtaposition highlights the impact of the Blitz on both individual lives and the national struggle, reinforcing the film’s goal to tell a “powerful human story” and acknowledging the enduring psychological toll alongside the resilience shown.
The “Spirit of the Blitz” Examined
“Britain and the Blitz” explores the famous “Spirit of the Blitz”—the narrative of British stoicism and defiance. The film shows scenes of community solidarity, people helping bombing victims, and examples of wartime adaptation such as female engineers maintaining fighter planes, evacuated children, life in shelters, ARP wardens, and the nightly blackout. Winston Churchill embodies this defiance, speaking of solidarity forged “through fire.”
However, the documentary balances this with the grim reality of the Blitz, emphasizing the “horrors,” “devastation,” and “terror” experienced. It acknowledges the immense human cost – tens of thousands killed and injured, millions left homeless. By presenting both the national spirit and the brutal suffering, the film seeks a balanced portrayal, potentially addressing historical debates around the “Myth of the Blitz” and offering a multifaceted view of British resilience.
Ella Wright and 72 Films
The film is directed by Ella Wright, whose credits include episodes of JFK: One Day in America (Emmy-nominated) and The Real Crown: Inside the House of Windsor, suggesting experience in handling complex historical narratives and archival material.
The production company 72 Films is known for high-impact factual content such as 9/11: One Day In America (Emmy winner), Rise of the Nazis, and Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown. Recognized as a leading independent production company in the UK, they create “engaging, captivating and hard-hitting” documentaries.
This project is the second major World War II documentary collaboration between 72 Films and Netflix, following the successful 2023 series World War II: From the Frontlines. That series’ Emmy awards for graphic design and musical composition indicate the high production values expected in “Britain and the Blitz.” Executive producers are David Glover, Cate Hall, and James Marsh.
Historical Context: The Blitz Explained
The Blitz was Germany’s sustained bombing campaign against the United Kingdom after the Luftwaffe failed to gain air superiority in the Battle of Britain. It aimed to break British morale and disrupt the war effort through terror bombing.
Lasting approximately eight months (September 7, 1940 – May 11, 1941), the campaign began with ‘Black Saturday’ in London, which was then bombed for 56 of the following 57 nights. Although London was the primary target, attacks affected cities across the UK, including major industrial centers and ports such as Coventry, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Sheffield, Southampton, Plymouth, Hull, Cardiff, Portsmouth, Belfast, and Clydebank. The destruction in Coventry was so severe it led to the German term ‘coventrieren’ (to Coventrate).
Despite the devastation, the Blitz failed strategically. It did not force surrender or cripple British war production. The Luftwaffe shifted its focus to the Soviet Union in June 1941.
A Timely Retrospective
“Britain and the Blitz” on Netflix offers a compelling and immersive look at a pivotal moment in British history. Its use of vividly restored archival material (including color) and first-hand survivor accounts, combined with the expertise of director Ella Wright and production company 72 Films, promises a high-quality historical documentary.
By bringing the past to life with modern techniques and personal stories, the film makes this crucial history accessible to today’s audiences, offering a timely reflection on resilience and suffering during Britain’s darkest hour, especially poignant on this 80th anniversary of the war’s end.
Where to Watch “Britain and the Blitz”
