Clio Barnard Sets Next Feature ‘I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning,’ Anthony Boyle, Joe Cole, Jay Lycurgo, Daryl McCormack and Lola Petticrew to Star (EXCLUSIVE)

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Clio Barnard, who is nominated for BAFTA and known for creating critically-acclaimed independent British movies like “The Selfish Giant,” “Dark River,” and “Ali & Ava,” is gathering an exciting group of actors for her upcoming film.

As a cinephile, I’m thrilled about the upcoming adaptation of “I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning,” originally penned by Keiran Goddard (“Hourglass”). The stellar cast includes Anthony Boyle, who captivated audiences in “Say Nothing” and “Masters of the Air”; Joe Cole, known for his roles in “Gangs of London” and “A Prayer Before Dawn”; Jay Lycurgo from “Steve” and “Half Bad: The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself”; Daryl McCormack, who shone in “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande” and “Bad Sisters”; and Lola Petticrew, star of “Say Nothing” and “She Said”. This promising ensemble is sure to bring the novel’s story to life!

Additionally, the ensemble features Millie Brady (from “Surface” and “The Last Kingdom”), Lucie Shorthouse (“We Are Lady Parts” and “Rebus”) and James Eeles (“The Batman” and “Darkest Hour”).

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Millie Brady, Lucie Shorthouse, and James Eeles are also part of the cast. They’ve appeared in shows like “Surface,” “The Last Kingdom,” “We Are Lady Parts,” “Rebus,” “The Batman,” and “Darkest Hour.

The award-winning Irish playwright, screenwriter, and director, Enda Walsh (known for “Small Things Like These” and “Hunger”), has written the script for a movie that is currently starting its main filming stages in the United Kingdom.

According to the summary, “I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning” portrays the lives of five companions, each with their individual dreams and aspirations.

The five friends – Patrick, Shiv, Rian, Oli, and Conor – have been inseparable since childhood, sharing games, truancy, and dreams for their futures. At thirty years old, they find themselves far from where those dreams led them. Patrick (Boyle) and Shiv (Petticrew) maintain a strong bond, but their relationship is tested when an ancient secret reopens old wounds. Oli (Lycurgo), the vivacious one who always kept the group going, is overindulging in partying and shows signs of decline. Conor (McCormack) is expecting a child and holds a business idea that could bring about significant change. In contrast, Rian (Cole) has ventured beyond the estate, amassed wealth, and relocated to another city, but he still struggles to leave his past behind.

As per the creators, “I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning” probes into the question of what transpires when our anticipated life events don’t materialize. It strips bare the influence of environment and circumstances on us, delves into the uplifting and transformative aspects of friendship, and scrutinizes the genuine boundaries of optimism.

The movie is being made by long-standing producer Tracy O’Riordan of Moonspun Films, who has worked on films like “Ali & Ava,” “Alice & Jack,” “Dream Horse,” “Dark River,” and “The Selfish Giant.” BBC Film, who are also co-financing with BFI (using National Lottery funding), are involved in its development. Curzon Film will manage distribution within the U.K. Executive producers for the project include Barnard, Walsh, Goddard, Eva Yates and Claudia Yusef from BBC Film, Mia Bays from BFI, Ali Jazayeri and Keith Kehoe from TPC, Louisa Dent and Philip Knatchbull from Curzon Film, Carole Baraton and Lucie Desquiens from Charades.

In 2010, Clio Barnard drew attention with her first full-length documentary, “The Arbor,” focusing on the late playwright Andrea Dunbar. Since then, she has solidified her unique cinematic voice in the U.K., particularly through dramas like “The Selfish Giant,” “Dark River,” and “Ali & Ava,” which was nominated for Outstanding British film at the 2022 BAFTAs after its premiere in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight sidebar. Barnard also directed the BAFTA-winning miniseries “The Essex Serpent” and led the second season of the critically acclaimed crime drama “Sherwood.

Author, versifier, and social observer Goddard was recognized on the longlist for the Desmond Elliot prize with his first novel, “Hourglass.” His most recent work, “I See Buildings Collapse Like Lightning,” published in 2024, garnered extensive praise and was put forth for the Gordon Burn Prize.

Each of the following individuals or entities is represented by a specific management agency: Boyle by Hamilton Hodell, Cole by B-Side, Lycurgo by Insight Management & Production, Artists First and Public Eye Communications for multiple artists, McCormack, Petticrew, and Brady by Hamilton Hodell respectively, Shorthouse by Conway Van Gelder Grant, and Eeles by GDA Management. Goddard’s film and television rights are managed by Jazz Adamson at Curtis Brown, on behalf of Clare Conville at C&W. Lastly, Walsh is represented by Katie Battcock and Nick Marston at Curtis Brown.

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2025-04-04 13:17