Harris Dickinson makes his directorial debut with Urchin, a compelling exploration of a London man’s struggle to escape self-destructive cycles. The film, a character-driven drama, sheds light on personal transformation and resilience, marking a notable entry into the landscape of actor-turned-director projects.
Notable Cast and Release Details
The film features an impressive cast, including Frank Dillane delivering one of the year’s standout performances, alongside Megan Northam, Amr Waked, Shonagh Marie, and Karyna Khymchuk. Urchin premiered in the Cannes Un Certain Regard section, winning critical acclaim, and is set for release on October 10 by 1-2 Special. Promotional material including the trailer and poster have also been unveiled ahead of its launch.
Critical Praise Highlights Dickinson’s Vision
Critic Rory O’Connor praised Dickinson’s innovative direction, particularly highlighting the film’s opening sequence, which vividly portrays a journey through the Bardo with striking imagery and thoughtful cinematic techniques. O’Connor observed,
“A few scenes into Urchin, we take a trip through the Bardo. First the camera (as in a million films before this) closes in on a shower drain, but then something new: a tunnel of darkness and color that gives way to damp, mossy calm, where a lone man in a clearing, standing with his back to us, is taking in the light. The director of this intrepid sequence is Harris Dickinson, who has found the time––somewhere between becoming a beloved actor and sex symbol and playing John Lennon––to direct a thoughtful, adventurous film.”
—Rory O’Connor, Film Critic
Anticipated Impact of Dickinson’s Filmmaking Debut
Urchin is anticipated to strengthen Harris Dickinson’s reputation beyond acting, revealing a promising future in directing. Its arrival this October offers audiences a fresh perspective on raw human experience and affirms Dickinson’s creative versatility within the industry.
