Peaky Blinders stars' "captivating" Birmingham-set drama confirms free UK screenings

A gritty friendship drama starring Peaky Blinders' Joe Cole and Daryl McCormack and Furious' Lola Petticrew will be screening for free in the UK after premiering at Cannes earlier in the year.

Set in Birmingham, I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning opens with one of the best cinematic use of any songs from The Streets – 'Don't Mug Yourself', to be exact – as viewers are introduced to a gang of childhood friends who are now approaching 30.

Based on the book of the same name by Keiran Goddard, the film from director Clio Barnard will screen for free at more than 130 independent cinemas across the UK on Monday 23 November and Tuesday 24 November thanks to Escapes. You can find your nearest screening and book your free ticket here.

Related: UK film release dates

Also starring House of Guinness star Anthony Boyle and Titans' Jay Lycurgo to round up the quintet of ride-or-die pals, I See Building Fall Like Lightning follows the working-class protagonists as they navigate adult life with the cards they've been dealt.

Penned by Enda Walsh, who also wrote Cillian Murphy drama Small Things like These, I See Building Fall Like Lightning is an ultimately joyous, quick-witted movie that sparks necessary conversations on class divides and the housing crisis.

Reckoning with themes of social mobility and inequality, Barnard's film is relevant and raw but never lets the characters' disillusionment take away from their tender, lifelong bonds.

Related: Peaky Blinders star Joe Cole's "stunning" near-perfect drama gets intense first trailer

Early reviews have been praising the movie's "unusually vibrant depiction of male friendship" (via Movie Marker) and its "brash, down-to-earth dialogue" (via Film Ireland Magazine).

Currently at an impressive 91% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning has been called "an explosive, urgent, endlessly captivating film" (via Loud and Clear Reviews) and "strong, energising, salty and sharp" (via Eye for Film).

Less positive reactions include Variety's review, which praises the performances but labels the script "heavy-handed".

I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning releases in the UK on 4 December. You can catch the film at free advance screenings thanks to Escapes.

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).