Picture: Netflix
Netflix has confirmed that on May 5th, it’ll release a new WWII documentary feature film. The film will be an immersive archive documentary about the experiences of civilians in Britain during the Blitz. It will feature vividly restored archival footage as well as many emotional first-hand accounts from those who lived through the devastating period of recent human history.
What was The Blitz? The Blitz refers to the sustained bombing campaign carried out by Nazi Germany against the United Kingdom during World War II, primarily between September 1940 and May 1941. The term comes from the German word “Blitzkrieg,” meaning “lightning war.” The period is remembered for the devastation it caused and the resilience and unity it inspired across the British population. Communities banded together in underground shelters, with the now-iconic image of Londoners taking refuge in Tube stations symbolizing the Blitz spirit.
Developed under the name The Blitz, the new feature film is from director Ella Wright for 72 Films, the production company owned by Fremantle and behind titles like Vietnam: The War That Changed America, Trump: The Criminal Conspiracy Case, and Mozart: Rise of a Genius. Wright previously directed JFK: One Day in America and The Real Crown: Inside the House of Windsor.
David Glover and James Marsh are executive producers on the new documentary, which has a runtime of 78 minutes and a rating of 12 in the UK and TV-MA in the USA and has been in development since mid-2023. Kate Townsend, VP, Netflix Original Feature Documentaries, commissioned the documentary for Netflix.
This marks the second major WW2 documentary that Netflix has collaborated with 72 Films on. In late 2023, Netflix released a six-episode documentary series titled World War II: From the Frontlines, which ultimately went on to win a News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Graphic Design and Music Composition in addition to two other nominations. John Boyega narrated that docu-series, featured stunning original upscaled footage, and was based on new research and sifting through 8,000 hours of original footage.
Britain and The Blitz bolsters Netflix’s WWII documentary programming, including Greatest Events of WWII In Color, WWII In Color: Road to Victory, and most recently, Churchill at War.
Britain and the Blitz streams on Netflix globally on May 5th.
