"I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning," directed by Clio Barnard and featuring Joe Cole, who is known for his role in "Peaky Blinders," is a film adaptation of Keiran Goddard's novel. The story centers on five friends from working-class Birmingham whose lives have taken unexpected turns, diverging from the futures they once envisioned. Joe Cole plays Rian, a character who managed to escape his origins and achieve financial success, only to realize that this achievement does not sever his connection to his past.
The film explores themes of class, masculinity, and the complexities of contemporary British life. It premiered in the Directors' Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting the struggles and realities faced by those from working-class backgrounds. Through Rian's story, the film delves into how success and social mobility intersect with identity and belonging in modern Britain.