I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, Clio Barnard's adaptation of Keiran Goddard's novel, is a compelling exploration of the struggles faced by millennials in contemporary society. The film, set in Birmingham, follows the lives of five friends as they navigate stalled careers, gaping class divides, and dashed hopes as they approach their thirties. The title itself is a powerful metaphor for the demolition of social housing and the rise of private-sector profiteering.
One of the film's strengths is its soulful cast, including Irish stars Daryl McCormack, Anthony Boyle, and Lola Petticrew. Each actor brings a unique depth and authenticity to their character, whether it's Boyle's Patrick, a graduate supporting a young family with precarious delivery work, or McCormack's Conor, a hothead with grand architectural ambitions and huge debts. Petticrew stands out as Shiv, Patrick's wife, who appears grounded and emotionally intact, despite the drug- and alcohol-fuelled binges that bond the crew together.
The film's strength lies in its ability to capture the working-class life in rich, convincing detail. Barnard expertly captures the cocaine-fueled parties, singalongs to The Streets' Don't Mug Yourself, and the general working-class life, shooting in real Brummie homes, pubs, and streets. The friendships feel equally authentic, even when the source material, largely composed of inner monologues, can sound polemic transposed to the big screen.
However, the film's ambition sometimes dwarfs the material, and the source material's urgency can feel overwhelming. The late tragedy and relationship revelations swerve the material into melodrama, grafting an urgency onto both the material and the youthful partying. Despite this, the film remains a powerful exploration of the struggles faced by millennials in contemporary society.
In my opinion, the film's strength lies in its ability to capture the working-class life in rich, convincing detail. The film's authenticity and depth make it a compelling watch, even if the ambition sometimes dwarfs the material. The film raises a deeper question about the role of social housing in contemporary society and the impact of private-sector profiteering on the lives of millennials. It is a thought-provoking film that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
