Overview

• Written and directed by Harris Dickinson in his feature debut, Urchin follows Mike, a London rough sleeper played by Frank Dillane, with Dickinson also appearing in a supporting role.
• Empire and Little White Lies praise Dillane’s performance and note the film’s observational distance punctuated by surreal, subconscious sequences that avoid easy answers or pity.
• In a new interview, Dickinson says extensive research with advisors and community groups shaped a nonjudgmental portrayal focused on lived experience rather than moral messaging.
• The film opens in UK cinemas on October 3 through Picturehouse Entertainment, with an Irish release tied to the same rollout and a festival stop at Dinard this week.
• Dickinson describes an opening long‑lens sequence filmed with real members of the public, while cinematographer Josée Deshaies’ framing underscores the film’s measured, empathetic tone.