I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning: Lola Petticrew Shines at Cannes with a Powerful Debut
TL;DR: Belfast's Lola Petticrew makes a splash at Cannes in Clio Barnard's class-focused drama, adapted from Keiran Goddard's 2024 novel by playwright Enda Walsh. Premiering at the 58th Directors' Fortnight, it's a film to keep an eye on, especially for fans of arthouse cinema. Stay tuned for streaming updates.
"You couldn't be around those boys and not have major craic. They are honestly four of the funniest people I've ever met."
That's Lola Petticrew talking to Deadline's Baz Bamigboye from the iconic Cinecittà Studios in Rome. Right now, they're busy filming Netflix's Assassin's Creed Season 1. It's a light-hearted comment, but it hints at something significant: a tight-knit ensemble cast that brings real chemistry to this British arthouse production. Director Clio Barnard is known for leveraging such dynamics, which typically spells success for titles showcased at the Directors' Fortnight — a section historically more focused on lasting artistic careers than immediate box office hits.
What Lola Petticrew Reveals About the Film
Petticrew's comments go deeper than surface-level positivity. Describing the five main characters—Patrick, Shiv, Rian, Oli, and Conor—Petticrew notes, "They're trying to cope with adulthood and the pressures of the world, and deal with the cards that they've been dealt in being where they're from." This struggle for identity and ambition is very real. At 27, Petticrew plays a 30-year-old working-class parent in Birmingham. Their investment in this role adds layers to a story about the slow decline of youthful dreams.
This film taps into a widespread feeling of anxiety — everything feels so present, as they say. It's a sentiment many will relate to, especially as she reflects on shared memories and lost paths.
For streaming enthusiasts, keep an eye on Movie OTT, which flagged this title early in Cannes as one to watch for streaming rights.
Key Details About the Film and Cast
Director: Clio Barnard
Screenplay: Enda Walsh
Based on: Keiran Goddard's novel, published in 2024
Premiere: 58th Directors' Fortnight, Cannes 2026
Main Cast:
- Lola Petticrew as Shiv — a primary caregiver for her bedridden mother and co-parent of two young daughters.
- Anthony Boyle as Patrick — Shiv's partner, juggling food delivery jobs.
- Joe Cole, Daryl McCormack, and Jay Lycurgo round out the childhood friends (Rian, Oli, and Conor).
Runtime: Still to be confirmed, but Barnard's previous works generally range from 91 to 112 minutes.
Distribution: No theatrical deal announced yet. However, a typical path for Barnard's films suggests a BFI-backed UK theatrical run followed by a streaming release within three months.
Filming took place in Birmingham, showcasing local talent in supporting roles — a nod to Barnard's commitment to authenticity, reminiscent of her previous acclaimed projects like The Selfish Giant.
The Creative Team and Commercial Potential
Here's the number that matters: Clio Barnard has delivered four features, and every single one turned a profit relative to its micro-budget bracket. The Arbor (2010) redefined documentary storytelling on what was essentially a shoestring. The Selfish Giant (2013) cost roughly £1.5 million and grossed over £3 million theatrically before home video. Ali & Ava (2021) snagged a BAFTA for Outstanding British Film on a production budget estimated under £3 million. What most coverage frames as a "small, personal filmmaker" story is actually a remarkably efficient commercial track record — four for four on positive returns, which is better than most directors working at ten times the budget. This film's commercial performance won't hinge on box office figures but on awards and streaming acquisition fees; it needs the kind of critical heat that lets distributors justify a premium catalog price.
Enda Walsh's adaptation adds weight to the project — his previous works crack open fractured working-class narratives and capture the texture of real-life dialogue. This suggests that I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning won't be watered down for mass appeal. And that's precisely what the Directors' Fortnight is designed to showcase.
The casting of Petticrew and Boyle is fortuitous — they've known each other since childhood and previously starred together in BBC's Come Home. Their established rapport means no need for chemistry reads. A big win for the production.
Why Directors' Fortnight Is Crucial for This Film
Many overlook the importance of Directors' Fortnight. It's not just a secondary showcase — it's a launchpad. Think Blue Is the Warmest Colour, Tangerine, and Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Films in this strand often build slow, lasting relationships with viewers since they don't face the heavy commercial scrutiny found in the Palme d'Or competition.
For a film about working-class struggles and slipping dreams, the Fortnight slot offers the right kind of exposure without the pressure to pull in immediate profits. The gradual critical acclaim here leads to lasting streaming deals, perfect for a story that needs time to find its audience.
Watch for updates from Movie OTT regarding streaming placement following its Cannes debut.
What This Means for Global Audiences
British social-realist cinema has a surprising audience in India — thanks in part to platforms like MUBI India showcasing Ken Loach films. Since Say Nothing, which featured both Petticrew and Boyle, was available on Disney+ Hotstar, there's already a viewer base familiar with their work. The thing nobody mentions is that for Indian audiences, the more relevant comparison point isn't Ken Loach or even Andrea Arnold — it's Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light, which proved at Cannes 2024 that working-class, non-English-language (or in this case, heavily accented English) dramas can find a paying Indian theatrical audience when they carry festival prestige. That film reportedly crossed ₹10 crore domestically, a figure that would've seemed impossible for a Cannes arthouse title five years ago. If Barnard's film lands similar critical heat, the Indian distribution math changes.
As for where I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning will land in India? It depends on distribution. Likely scenarios include:
- MUBI India: A strong contender given Barnard's profile.
- Netflix India: Possible but less likely due to scale.
- Disney+ Hotstar: A stretch, though existing connections could help.
- Theatrical Releases: Limited showings in Mumbai and Delhi through PVR Cinemas.
Expect English with subtitles, as regional dubbing for arthouse films is rare unless bundled with larger distribution deals.
Next Steps and What to Anticipate
The Cannes debut kicks off a timeline: look for acquisition news within a month, followed by a UK theatrical release likely in autumn 2026, and streaming soon after. Awards season eligibility usually requires a UK release by December 31, 2026.
Keep an eye out for hints of a BBC or BFI co-production credit — that could mean a BBC iPlayer release is in the cards, especially appealing for UK audiences. For international viewers, MUBI remains the most promising avenue for global distribution.
With Petticrew filming Assassin's Creed simultaneously, their star is on the rise — a strategic move that may bring more attention to this subtle, impactful film when it finally hits streaming platforms.
Hard to say if I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning will have the same breakout success as Barnard's Ali & Ava, but the ingredients certainly seem promising.
Current Status of I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning
As of today, I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning is set to premiere at the Cannes Directors' Fortnight, with no distribution deal confirmed. Lola Petticrew, alongside Anthony Boyle, Joe Cole, Daryl McCormack, and Jay Lycurgo, leads this poignant journey directed by Clio Barnard from Enda Walsh's screenplay. The question remains — where and when can you watch it? For ongoing updates on streaming availability across India, the US, the UK, and beyond, keep checking Movie OTT.
