Blitz

Blitz

Year: 2011

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: Elliott Lester

ActionThrillerCrimeCrime drugs and gangstersThrillers and murder mysteriesSuspenseful crime thrillersViolent action guns and crimeIntriguing and suspenseful murder mysteriesViolent crime and drugsHeists and thrilling actionShow All…

It’s cop-killer vs. killer-cop A tough cop is dispatched to take down a serial killer who has been targeting police officers.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Blitz yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Blitz (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Blitz (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Set in contemporary London over a tense, crime-filled period as police hunt a rogue killer. The narrative unfolds through fast-paced encounters, informant tips, and rapid shifts in the investigation. The mood is grim and urgent, reflecting modern urban crime dynamics.

Location

South East London, London

The action centers on a dense, crime-prone area of South East London, where a high-pressure police precinct battles a wave of violence. Key locations include the South East London police station, Weiss's apartment, a dim parking garage, and the funeral of Chief Inspector Roberts, all contributing to a gritty urban atmosphere. The city’s crowded streets become the backdrop for cat-and-mouse confrontations between officers and the killer.

🏙️ South East London 🚓 Police station 🧭 Urban crime setting

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:17

Main Characters – Blitz (2011)

Meet the key characters of Blitz (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tom Brant (Jason Statham)

Tom Brant is a hot-headed detective from a turbulent South East London precinct who relies on force and instinct. His growing burnout and occasional blackouts threaten his judgment as the case tightens around him. He is fiercely loyal to colleagues like Nash, yet willing to bend rules when he believes they’ll stop the killer. In the climax, Brant crosses a line to ensure the killer cannot strike again.

🚓 Detective 🧠 Impulsive 💥 Violent 🔎 Determined

Elizabeth Falls (Zawe Ashton)

Elizabeth Falls is a determined PC who has battled addiction and undercover work in the drugs squad. She seeks a promotion and challenges Brant, often clashing with his methods. The case pushes her to the edge, and she experiences a relapse that underscores the hidden scars of policing. She remains a key link between the pursuing officers and the vulnerable civilians they protect.

🎯 Ambitious 🧭 Driven 🫀 Vulnerable 🕊️ Resilient

Barry Weiss (Aidan Gillen)

Barry Weiss is the calculating killer who adopts the moniker Blitz and taunts the police with his killings. He uses knowledge of the system, disguises, and manipulation to evade capture while escalating violence. Weiss’s cold, methodical approach creates a cat-and-mouse dynamic that tests Brant and Nash. His ultimate confrontation with Brant reveals the cost of pursuing vengeance.

🗡️ Cunning 🧠 Cold 🔥 Manipulative ⚔️ Threatening

Porter Nash (Paddy Considine)

Porter Nash is Brant’s steady colleague who shares a hard-edged realism. He carries his own dark past and provides a counterpoint to Brant’s reckless gusto. Nash helps steer the investigation when the pressure intensifies and ultimately supports Brant in the climactic takedown. His presence grounds the film’s action with a sense of weary loyalty.

🧭 Steady 🗡️ Pragmatic 🤝 Loyal 💬 Candid

Craig Stokes (Luke Evans)

Craig Stokes is the DI who oversees the investigation, offering support and connections within the force. He acts as a conduit between Brant and the broader department while navigating the political pressures of a high-profile case. He remains professional, balancing risk and responsibility in a tense urban environment.

🧭 Professional 🧩 Connector 🕵️‍♂️ Calm 🤝 Reliable

Chief Inspector Roberts (Mark Rylance)

Chief Inspector Roberts is the respected leader whose death acts as a catalyst for the investigation’s escalation. His absence heightens the sense of vulnerability within the squad and magnifies the killer’s threat. Roberts’ legacy haunts the officers as they race to identify the killer before more lives are lost.

🎖️ Leader 🕊️ Victim 🧭 Inspirational 💔 Tragic

Harold Dunlop (David Morrissey)

Harold Dunlop is an ambitious crime reporter who fuels the narrative with sensational coverage. He becomes a pawn in Weiss’s game, his reporting shaping public perception and pressuring the police. Dunlop’s role underscores the tension between truth, spectacle, and accountability in crime reporting.

🗞️ Journalist 🕵️‍♂️ Ambitious 🧩 Manipulated 🗣️ Influential

Radnor (Ned Dennehy)

Radnor is a streetwise informant who provides crucial leads about Weiss. His information helps Brant connect the killer’s past bravado with current actions. He becomes a pivotal figure whose cooperation hinges on trust in a volatile, crime-ridden landscape.

🕵️‍♂️ Informant 🧭 Helpful 🔎 Cautious 💬 Direct

Theo Nelson (Joseph Dempsie)

Theo Nelson is a young police officer who becomes a casualty of the shooter’s rampage. His death underscores the film’s high-stakes menace and the vulnerability of frontline officers. The incident acts as a wake-up call to the squad about the cost of the hunt.

👮‍♂️ Young Officer 💔 Victim ⚠️ Pivotal 🛡️ Protected

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:17

Major Themes – Blitz (2011)

Explore the central themes of Blitz (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice vs Vigilantism

The film questions whether lethal action outside the law can ever be justified when the system struggles to convict. Brant’s methods blur the line between police procedure and personal retribution. The killer’s taunting games test the limits of formal justice and due process. The ending suggests that true justice is messy and often morally ambiguous.

🔥 Burnout & Moral Strain

Brant is a hot-headed detective whose burnout and recurring blackouts threaten his judgment. A police psychologist notes the potential for deteriorating mental health under sustained stress. Nash’s guarded mentorship highlights how shared violence and fatigue strain even strong alliances. The film uses burnout to scrutinize police culture and the choices made under pressure.

💊 Trauma & Addiction

Elizabeth Falls’ history of rehab and a relapse show how trauma from undercover work can haunt officers off duty. The case exposes the fragility of personal lives when faced with relentless violence. The backdrop of addiction and recovery underscores the human cost of policing in a dangerous city. Recovery remains precarious amid ongoing threats.

📰 Media & Public Perception

The killer manipulates media outlets to shape the narrative and pressure the investigation. Dunlop’s role as a reporter exposes how headlines can influence police priorities and public fear. The story suggests that sensationalism and public opinion can impact justice as much as the criminals themselves. The ending underscores the uneasy power of the press in crime stories.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:17

Unlock the Full Story of Blitz

Don't stop at just watching — explore Blitz in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Blitz is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Blitz Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Blitz, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Blitz Summary

Blitz Timeline

Track the full timeline of Blitz with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Blitz Timeline

Blitz Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Blitz that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Blitz Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Blitz

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Blitz: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Blitz