HARRIS DICKINSON’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT “URCHIN” IS SET TO HIT THEATRES THIS AUTUMN

words by SONNY NGO

Eight years ago, the then-novice actor Harris Dickinson made his breakthrough performance starring in the coming-of-age “Beach Rats,” which premiered at Sundance Film Festival. Since then, the British charmeur has performed in the 2022 Palm d’Or winning “Triangle of Sadness,” swooned over both Nicole Kidman and audiences alike in last year’s “Babygirl,” and served face in Rhode’s first male-led campaign. Yet despite his busy schedule, Dickinson has managed to write and direct his own movie, “Urchin.” Having premiered earlier this year at Cannes, the film was met with rave reviews, and has been picked up by North American distributor 1-2 Special. 

image credit: URCHIN via imdb.com

The actor turned writer-director shared that his debut was inspired by the various cogs in the machine that keep the city of London running – community, vulnerability, and volunteer-led organisations. As much about poverty as about homelessness and its cyclical nature, the movie tells the story of Mike, a young man succumbing to the margins of society, itching to turn his life around and escape his downward spiral of self-destruction. Brilliantly portrayed by Frank Dillane, best known for his work in “Fear the Walking Dead,” Mike’s character feels as if he is on the constant cusp of total surrender and survivalist determination; finely dancing on its thin ice and pleading for audience sympathy, or at least, heart and understanding. Sharing the screen with Dillane, Megan Northam (“Meanwhile on Earth”) and Amr Waked (“Lucy,” “Ramy”) appear opposite the lead actor. Meanwhile, Dickinson himself resorts to a much smaller cameo in the film, although his character’s actions will leave a lasting impact on the plot. 

While already a seasoned actor, Dickinson’s filmmaking is still very much in its early stages. In finding his own directorial style and voice, however, “Urchin” is a distinctly promising start. “It’s really an honour to be here […] I hope you enjoy it and if you don’t, tell us gently,” he shared prior to his Cannes screening. Judging by the audience’s responses, however, he had nothing to worry about, as he and his crew received an enthusiastic five-minute standing ovation.

“Urchin” is set to hit theatres this autumn, and whilst we are eagerly awaiting its release, Dickinson is already preparing for his next role as John Lennon in the upcoming “The Beatles” biopic. Though busy as ever, the star has already started tinkering on his next writing project as well.