Quick Summary
A new resident moves into a high‑rise apartment complex and soon finds themselves caught in the centre of a growing conflict as the building’s community begins to fracture. The story unfolds as society breaks down, presenting a satirical thriller atmosphere.
About This Program ✦
High‑Rise is a programme presented as a movie. It falls squarely within the satirical thriller category, blending dark humour with tension. The work is positioned as a contemporary piece that uses the conventions of a thriller while injecting a satirical edge. The title itself hints at vertical living spaces and the tension that builds within them, reinforcing the claustrophobic feel. The narrative centres on a newcomer who moves into an apartment block. Shortly after settling in, the resident finds themselves trapped in the centre of an escalating dispute. As the conflict widens, the surrounding society begins to unravel, pulling the protagonist deeper into the chaos. Because they're unfamiliar with the building's dynamics, they quickly become a focal point for the surrounding turmoil. The setting of the apartment complex serves as a micro‑cosm for the larger breakdown occurring outside its walls. The claustrophobic environment amplifies the sense of unease, making the resident's predicament feel both personal and representative of a wider collapse. Every hallway, stairwell and shared lounge turns into a stage where the larger societal fractures play out in miniature. Throughout the story, the satirical tone undercuts the thriller elements, creating a contrast that keeps the audience on edge. By positioning an ordinary individual at the heart of societal disintegration, the programme offers a pointed look at how quickly order can dissolve when conflict spirals. The humour often arrives in the form of exaggerated interactions, which serve to highlight the absurdity of the breakdown.
High-Rise broadcasts on Channel 4 +1 at 2:00am, Thursday, 5 February 2026. (Subtitles)


