Cinecity 2026: I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning (15)

Dir: Clio Barnard

Cast: Anthony Boyle, Daryl McCormack, Lola Petticrew

The latest film by acclaimed director Clio Barnard is a bittersweet drama about a group of friends in Birmingham.

Oli, Patrick, Shiv, Rian and Conor have known each other since childhood. Now they’ve reached their 30s and are forced to deal with economic pressures, unfulfilled dreams and unravelling secrets. Their lives are vividly portrayed by an ensemble of up-and-coming British and Irish actors including Anthony Boyle, Daryl McCormack and Lola Petticrew, who generate fantastic onscreen chemistry.

Barnard’s previous work includes _Ali & Ava_, _Dark River_ and _The Selfish Giant_. Screenwriter Enda Walsh’s credits include _Die My Love_, _Small Things Like These_ and _Hunger_.

_I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning_ is a tender depiction of friendship which also highlights how working-class lives are compromised by economic and social pressures.

_‘With warmth and heartfelt passion, and a quintet of outstanding performances from young actors shot in looming closeup for so much of the time, Clio Barnard has created an absorbing and moving social-realist picture.’ Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian_