When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: Clio Barnard’s New Film ‘I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning’ Explores Broken Dreams and Unbreakable Friendships

Acclaimed British director 'Clio Barnard'—most famous for her critically successful films 'The Selfish Giant', 'Dark River', and 'Ali & Ava'—has begun production on her next feature, 'I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning'. The movie features a star-studded cast and is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by 'Keiran Goddard'.

What's the Film About?

The tale unfolds around 'five childhood friends'—Patrick, Shiv, Rian, Oli, and Conor—who had dreams together, grew up together, and are now 30 and confronted with the cruel reality that life has not worked out as expected.

- "Patrick (Anthony Boyle)" and "Shiv (Lola Petticrew)" are deeply in love with each other, but an unresolved secret from the past threatens to ruin their relationship.

- "Oli (Jay Lycurgo)", the group's free-spirited wild child, is losing his grip on irresponsible partying.  

- "Conor (Daryl McCormack)" is in line to become a dad and has a business opportunity that could transform his life.  

- "Rian (Joe Cole)" is the sole member who got out of their hometown, made some cash, and left—yet he's still tormented by what went down.

The movie is about 'friendship, shattered dreams, and trying to get on with life' when things don't work out as you expected. It's a gritty, emotional examination of how 'where we start influences who we become'—and if hope can endure disappointment.

Who's Involved?

- "Screenplay by Enda Walsh" (award-winning playwright and writer of Hunger and Small Things Like These).

- "Directed by Tracy O'Riordan" (Barnard's long-time creative partner on Ali & Ava and The Selfish Giant).

- "Funded by BBC Film and BFI", distributed in the UK by Curzon.

Why This Film Matters

Clio Barnard is known for 'hard-hitting, emotional storytelling' that conveys working-class hardship with raw honesty. Her previous films have been 'BAFTA nominated' and celebrated for their emotional honesty.

Keiran Goddard's book was 'shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize', so the tale already has solid literary foundations. With a 'gifted cast' and Barnard's distinctive vision, this might be one of the most engaging British dramas of the year.

When Can We See It?

Shooting in the UK only just started, so there's no release date yet announced. But based on Barnard's past experience, it will probably 'premiere at a leading festival' (such as Cannes or TIFF) before being released to the public. 

Final Thoughts:

If you enjoy character-driven dramas based on real-life struggles, 'I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning' is something you should be keeping an eye out for. With a combination of up-and-coming stars and veteran actors, along with Barnard's keen direction, this might be a highlight film in 2025.

Keep an eye out for more news!

What do you think? Are you looking forward to this film? Let me know in the comments!