Get ready to meet the next big name in cinema: Frank Dillane. While Harris Dickinson steps behind the camera for his directorial debut with Urchin, it’s Dillane’s raw, electrifying performance that steals the show—and this is the part most people miss. Dickinson, known for his roles in The King’s Man, Babygirl, and the upcoming Beatles biopic where he’ll portray John Lennon, keeps things refreshingly simple in Urchin. Unlike many actors-turned-directors who fall into the trap of overly talky or stagey films, Dickinson opts for a stripped-down, kitchen-sink realism that feels both authentic and unflinching. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Dickinson’s direction is confident and unpretentious, it’s Dillane’s portrayal of Mike, a homeless and drug-addicted twentysomething, that elevates Urchin from a solid debut to a must-watch film. Is it fair to say the film succeeds more because of its lead actor than its director?
Dillane’s Mike is a squirming, seething bundle of contradictions—a man trapped in his own skin and the unforgiving streets of London. With a mostly stationary camera, cinematographer Josée Deshaies captures Mike’s struggles in a way that feels claustrophobic yet deeply human. Dickinson’s framing keeps Mike caged, reflecting the larger societal forces that ignore the marginalized. But it’s Dillane who breathes life into this character, making him both unlikeable and magnetic. Mike is entitled yet vulnerable, charming yet conniving—a man who’s been chewed up and spit out by the system but refuses to be defeated. Does this make Mike a sympathetic figure, or just another cautionary tale?
The film’s most effective moments are its abstract, dreamlike sequences, where Dickinson’s expressionism shines. These mental retreats into darkness—stand-ins for Mike’s time in jail or his inner turmoil—offer a glimpse into a familiar character’s unique inner life. Yet, when Urchin strays from Mike’s perspective, focusing instead on cliched subplots like a love interest or a disapproving boss, it risks falling into indie Hollywood tropes. Thankfully, Dickinson’s British sensibilities keep it grounded, avoiding melodrama. But is this enough to make Urchin more than just another gritty drama?
Dillane’s performance is the anchor that keeps Urchin afloat. His physical transformation—scraggly, dirty, and visibly worn down—is matched by his ability to convey Mike’s complexity. Whether he’s desperately absorbing self-help videos or flinging himself around a room in a fit of energy, Dillane makes Mike impossible to look away from. Even when the script falters, Dillane’s portrayal ensures the film remains compelling. So, who’s the real star here—the actor or the director?
Urchin may be Dickinson’s debut, but it’s Dillane’s film. Together, they’ve crafted a low-key yet powerful story that avoids cinematic drama’s usual pitfalls. It’s a respectable first effort, but it’s Dillane’s name you’ll remember long after the credits roll. What do you think—does Urchin succeed because of Dickinson’s vision, Dillane’s performance, or both? Let us know in the comments!
Director: Harris Dickinson
Writer: Harris Dickinson
Starring: Frank Dillane, Megan Northam, Karyna Khymchuk, Shonagh Marie, Amr Waked
Release Date: October 3, 2025
