Harris Dickinson, known for his roles in Babygirl and Triangle of Sadness, makes his Harris Dickinson directorial debut with Urchin, a stark yet compassionate exploration of homelessness and addiction. Set in London, the film follows Mike, a hopeful but struggling young man whose attempts to secure stable housing are thwarted by addiction and self-destructive tendencies, offering an intimate perspective on the cycle many face today.
Frank Dillane, best known for Fear the Walking Dead and The Essex Serpent, delivers a meticulous performance as Mike, capturing the precariousness of living without a permanent home. Dickinson’s script draws attention to pressing social realities: the Financial Times via The Big Issue reports that approximately one in 200 UK households experiences homelessness. By presenting Mike’s story, Dickinson transforms cold statistics into a human experience, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
Examining the Complex Life of Mike in Urchin
Urchin steers clear of typical portrayals of homelessness, focusing instead on the nuanced reality faced by its protagonist, Mike. Despite his hardships, Mike maintains connections within the community, from charity shop workers to vendors of The Big Issue, and even Harris Dickinson’s own cameo as an old friend. His day-to-day existence includes semi-stable places to store belongings and moments of social interaction that reveal his determination.
However, Mike’s journey is complicated. After a sudden, violent incident involving a helpful acquaintance named Simon (played by Okezie Morro), he faces arrest and probation. Subsequently, he is granted temporary housing through a strained public system and takes on a demanding job in a hotel kitchen to avoid street homelessness. Throughout, Mike attempts to reclaim stability, engaging in mindfulness practices and forming tentative friendships, yet the pull of past habits and substances drags him back into turmoil.
The film also critiques the UK council’s temporary housing system, which in 2025 leaves more than 300,000 households waiting for support, reflecting a systemic issue. Mike’s constant awareness of eligibility limits and time-sensitive accommodations underscores the precariousness many endure in the current landscape.
By zeroing in on Mike as a unique individual instead of a stereotype, Dickinson fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of homelessness.
Harris Dickinson Crafts a Story of Grit, Humanity, and Subtle Humor
While Dickinson’s visual and narrative style is influenced by revered British social realist directors such as Ken Loach, Mike Leigh, and Shane Meadows, his storytelling carries a lighter, more personal touch. The film balances weighty themes with moments of levity largely due to Dillane’s portrayal of Mike. Drawing from personal experience growing up around addiction and working with London homelessness charities like Project Parker and Under One Sky, Dickinson brings lived authenticity to the subject.
Dillane himself has engaged with organizations such as Under One Sky and London’s Single Homeless Project, adding depth to his understanding. Together, Dickinson and Dillane navigate the fine line between humor and hardship, ensuring Urchin resonates with realism without succumbing to despair.
The daily bustle of London is another character in itself. Director of photography Josée Deshaies often films Mike from a distance, visually emphasizing his isolation amidst a crowded city. The production team, including Anna Rhodes on design and Ian Wilson on sound, crafts a vivid urban environment filled with recognizable street noises, from traffic jams to fervent street preachers, complemented by the thoughtful use of Alan Myson’s electronic score.
Significantly, Dickinson opts not to explore Mike’s backstory in detail, simply acknowledging “it’s complicated.” Instead, the film centers on Mike’s precarious present, portraying the balance he tries to maintain while fighting the temptations that haunt him. This tension fuels Dillane’s performance and anchors the film’s emotional weight.
Frank Dillane’s Nuanced Portrayal Brings Mike’s Story to Life
Mike’s character is marked by resilience and charm, even amid constant hardship, which Dillane captures expertly. His emotional shifts reflect the instability of his situation but also moments of genuine warmth and connection. The film showcases Mike forming new bonds, such as his friendship with Andrea (Megan Northam), whom he meets during a community litter pick on the South Bank, as well as camaraderie with hotel kitchen colleagues, highlighted by a memorable scene with karaoke, sparklers, and late-night snacks.
Furthermore, the film does not shy away from showing the everyday indignities Mike faces from Londoners—whether it is dismissive diners or indifferent pedestrians. Dickinson lingers on these instances to reveal Mike’s frustration and the mental toll of invisibility and forced submission, superbly conveyed through Dillane’s nuanced expressions.
Through these performances and Josée Deshaies’ attentive cinematography, Urchin paints a detailed, human image of homelessness that counters the many dehumanizing narratives surrounding it. Highlighting this topic amid the ongoing UK housing and cost of living crises, the film challenges harmful stereotypes, such as former Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s dismissive claim that rough sleeping is a “lifestyle choice.” Instead, Dickinson presents Mike’s struggle as a relatable and urgent reality, underscoring that homelessness may impact anyone.
Urchin is set to premiere across UK cinemas on September 22 before a wider release on October 3, inviting a broader audience to witness this intimate examination of vulnerability and survival.
