‘I See Buildings Fall like Lightning’ movie review: A vivacious kitchen sink drama for the gig economy era
Clio Barnard’s *I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning* follows five friends through a few pivotal months as they face housing pressures, insecure work and uncertain prospects. The review sees it as a lively, empathetic social drama that connects personal relationships to the wider challenges facing young adults.
Oli, Conor, Rian, Patrick and Shiv are played by Jay Lycurgo, Daryl McCormack, Joe Cole, Anthony Boyle and Lola Petticrew. The story begins at Oli’s 30th birthday party and moves between their lives, with nightclub scenes framing the strain of work and adulthood; Cole’s portrayal of the comparatively prosperous but troubled Rian is singled out.
In short
- Five friends navigate a period of economic and personal uncertainty.
- The film links their lives to housing pressures and insecure work.
- Joe Cole’s performance as Rian stands out.
Explained simply
Insecure work means having little certainty about when you will be paid or how many hours you will get. For many young adults, that can make it harder to plan for the future, build savings or find stable housing, while the move into their thirties can bring new expectations about work and relationships.
Clio Barnard’s film follows five friends—Oli, Conor, Rian, Patrick and Shiv—over several months as they deal with these pressures. Their different circumstances show how money, housing and work can shape friendships and prospects, even among people who share the same social circle.
Americas Business Economy Entertainment Film World