English actor Harris Dickinson debuted his directorial skills with Urchin. The film premiered on May 17, 2025, in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. The Un Certain Regard section is known to distinctly show new, innovative, and bold films, traditionally used to give lesser-known or newer directors a platform to debut a film. Urchin was perfect for the section, as it received a five-minute standing ovation—a solid start to Dickinson’s directorial career.

The film is about a homeless man in London, portrayed by Frank Dillane, who struggles with drug addiction and societal detachment. While trying to grapple with his issues, the narrative follows Mike’s journey as he attempts to recover and live a normal life, longing to fit in. Urchin captures the complexities of addiction without relying on different clichés or judgment. Dillane’s performance has been praised for its authenticity and nuanced portrayal of Mike’s emotional struggle with soul.

Dickinson took a break from acting to direct Urchin. The film intertwines grit with realism, along with psychedelic visual features, and offers an expressive portrayal of an internal battle. Dickinson was inspired by filmmakers such as the Safdie brothers and Andrea Arnold. He enjoys immersive, symbolic imagery and wanted to incorporate it into Urchin to depict Mike’s experiences. Alongside Dickinson is cinematographer Josée Deshaies, who helps capture the rough, grey beauty of the edge of London’s bustling city and enhances the film’s immersive quality.

Urchin has already been praised for its deep storytelling through compassion and morality. The innovative approach used by Dickinson thoroughly depicts marginalized lives in the United Kingdom. The goal of the film is to avoid judgment of drug usage as well as condescension. Rather than viewing Mike’s life through a negative lens, the film aims to present a sensitive yet realistic portrayal of addiction and homelessness. A slight surprise for Dickinson fans: Dickinson also appears in a small supporting role, further showcasing his versatility.