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I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning review
Cannes film festival: Clio Barnard’s absorbing tale depicts five friends who grew up together in Birmingham but now face divided destinies
TL;DR
- The film is a social-realist picture with outstanding performances from young actors.
- It follows five friends from Birmingham as they approach their late twenties, sensing a crisis.
- The story is adapted from Kieran Goddard's novel by screenwriter Enda Walsh.
- Rian, one of the friends, has become successful through online stock warrant trading, contrasting with his friends' more modest or squalid lives.
- Conor is inspired by Rian's success to start a building firm, naming it 'Dedalus'.
- Shiv is a happy mother, while her husband Patrick is depressed about his low-paying job.
- Oli, who deals heroin, is inspired to change his ways and is hired by Conor.
- The film touches on the debate of whether housing is a social right or a capital asset.
- The demolition of Birmingham's tower blocks is presented as a formative event for the characters.
- The film concludes with sobriety and hope, exploring the consequences of Rian's success and the divisions it created.