Urchin marks Harris Dickinson’s debut behind the camera. Known for his breakout role in Eliza Hittman’s Beach Rats and further established by Ruben Östlund’s Without Filter, as well as his recent turn in Babygirl, the British actor steps into new territory with his first feature film as writer and director. The film earned praise by being selected in the Un Certain Regard sidebar at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, and will hit French theaters on February 11, 2026.
The story follows Mike, a homeless man struggling to survive on the streets of London, juggling temporary jobs and petty thefts. His life takes a turn when he lands behind bars. Upon release, with the help of social services, Mike attempts to rebuild his life and break free from the self-destructive patterns that led him to the streets.
Through this fragile journey, Urchin paints a portrait of a man battling his addictions, social violence, and the struggle to break free from an environment that confines him. The story focuses on his efforts to regain stability, gritty and unromanticized, set against the backdrop of an indifferent city where every attempt at reintegration is met with new hurdles.
Selected for Un Certain Regard, the film was also in the running for the Camera d’Or, which awards the best debut feature at the Cannes Film Festival. At this 2025 edition, Urchin stood out by taking home the Best Actor in Un Certain Regard award, given to Frank Dillane for his powerful and compelling performance.
The cast features Frank Dillane, best known for Fear the Walking Dead and the Harry Potter series, alongside Franco-British actress Megan Northam, who gained recognition in Rabia, Pendant ce temps sur Terre, and the series Salade Grecque. Also starring is Amr Waked. The film adopts a gritty, realistic style, rooted in the streets of London, with a straightforward, unembellished approach to storytelling.
Straddling the line between social drama and intimate documentary, Urchin continues the tradition of British cinema that sheds light on marginalized lives, echoing contemporary social realism. The film resonates with viewers drawn to stories of flawed redemption and debut works characterized by a deeply personal touch.
Urchin
Film | 2026
Release Date: February 11, 2026
Comedy, Drama | Runtime: 1h39
Directed by Harris Dickinson | Starring Frank Dillane, Megan Northam, Amr Waked
Original Title: Urchin
Country: United Kingdom
With Urchin, Harris Dickinson delivers an impressive directorial debut, anchored by a awarded performance and a stark portrayal of urban hardship. The film continues the critical acclaim it received at Cannes and stands out as one of the most notable releases of early 2026.
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