At a warmly lit birthday party, a young man with a short beard and tattooed forearms hugs a smiling woman in a sage-green knit sweater from behind as she raises one hand. Around them, guests laugh and hold drinks, with a rainbow foil “Happy Birthday” balloon banner glowing in the background.

About I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning

In Clio Barnard’s poignant drama, five childhood friends from Birmingham (Anthony Boyle, Daryl McCormack, Jay Lycurgo, Lola Petticrew and Joe Cole) find their lifelong bonds tested as adulthood brings fractured relationships, unfulfilled dreams and long-buried secrets to light.

Adapted from Kieran Goddard’s novel, this intoxicating yet compassionate film by the director of The Selfish Giant and Ali & Ava is propelled by a superb ensemble cast and the euphoric pulse of club music. As moments of youthful joy gradually give way to disillusionment, the film offers a piercing portrait of contemporary Britain, exposing exploitative social structures and widening inequality as forces that have deeply marked its characters’ lives.
 

Booking info

To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.

Duration includes trailers, adverts and any Q&A/panel. For events such as NT Live, Colour Box and Reel & Meal there will be minimal advertising. We do not admit latecomers after the main feature has started and we have a limited food & drink policy.

MAC’s cinema programme has been generously supported by BFI Film Audience Network and Film Hub Midlands.

Dates and times