AceShowbiz - I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning marks a significant moment for Lola Petticrew, who eagerly accepted the role in director Clio Barnard's much-anticipated film set to debut at Cannes. Among the many reasons that drew Petticrew to the project, the presence of longtime friend and co-star Anthony Boyle stood foremost.

The two Northern Irish actors share a deep bond that dates back to their youth. Known affectionately by Petticrew as “Anto,” Boyle, recognized for his role in the Netflix series House of Guinness, has been a close companion since they were 11 years old. Their friendship began in an amateur drama group named The Rainbow Factory in Belfast, an experience that laid the foundation for their collaborative careers.

After years of mutual support through drama education, early roles, and auditions, the pair now find themselves starring in what is expected to be one of the most talked-about films at the Croisette this year. Clio Barnard's fifth feature, adapted from Keiran Goddard's book and scripted by Enda Walsh (Die My Love), delves into themes of class mobility, identity, and existential struggle with a poignant, kitchen sink realism.

Petticrew recalls the moment their agent contacted them: “Clio Barnard wants you to read for this film,” they were told. The involvement of Enda Walsh as writer, Barnard as director, and their best friend as lead made the decision an easy one. “Tick, tick, tick!” Petticrew exclaimed, highlighting their excitement.

The characters portrayed by Petticrew and Boyle, Shiv and Patrick, are married in the film. Their chemistry was effortless, reflecting years of friendship and shared history. Petticrew described working alongside Boyle as “the biggest gift ever,” emphasizing the comfort and joy of having a close companion on set.

The cast features a remarkable assembly of emerging talent from Britain and Ireland, including Joe Cole, Daryl McCormack, and Jay Lycurgo, alongside Petticrew and Boyle. This ensemble brings depth and authenticity to the story of five childhood friends confronting the harsh realities of adulthood in Birmingham as they approach their 30s.

“This feels like British independent film at its best,” Petticrew states, describing the characters as trapped on an endless cycle, unable to escape their circumstances or see beyond the immediate struggles. Their character, Shiv, serves as a grounded observer amid the turmoil. Petticrew was deeply moved by a passage in the source material where Shiv’s affection for her flat reflects a tender appreciation for her environment—something that resonated personally, echoing Petticrew’s own connection to their upbringing and community.

Outside of acting, Petticrew identifies as an activist, vocal about issues such as intergenerational trauma in Northern Ireland following the Troubles, poverty in West Belfast, and the Palestinian cause. They assert that their artistic work is inseparable from these political concerns. “I wouldn’t be interested in being an artist if I couldn’t talk about those things,” Petticrew explains.

Petticrew is critical of actors who choose to distance their craft from politics, calling it “a disgrace” when artists shy away from belief or activism but expect accolades for roles portraying marginalized identities. This perspective is part of what made I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning so meaningful, as its narrative centers on loyalty to one’s origins, the frustration of entrapment, and the guilt of leaving home behind.

During filming, the cast immersed themselves in Shard End, east Birmingham, where local residents participated as extras, enriching the film’s authentic atmosphere. The actors, three of whom are Irish, worked hard to master the challenging Brummie accent, a crucial element for their characters. “I really, really, really wanted to get it right,” Petticrew admits, aware of how much identity is tied to one’s accent.

Following the Cannes festival, Petticrew will return to Rome to continue shooting for Netflix’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed series. They are also slated to appear in Hulu’s Furious, alongside Jake Lacy and Emmy Rossum. Despite these projects, Petticrew remains focused on championing British cinema and hopes that their performance in I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, alongside Boyle, will resonate with audiences facing their own life struggles.

“We’re all just trying our best with everything that’s against us,” Petticrew reflects. “It’s OK to give yourself a bit of credit, take a breath, and just see what’s in front of you.” This hopeful message underscores the film’s intimate exploration of friendship, resilience, and the search for meaning amid adversity.