Urchin review - Harris Dickinson homelessness drama is terrific directorial debut
Briefly

In his debut as a writer-director, Harris Dickinson offers a keenly observant and emotionally resonant film tackling homelessness. The story centers around Mike, a street dweller in London portrayed by Frank Dillane, whose survival instincts have been shaped by a harsh upbringing. The film intricately combines humor with poignant moments, as Mike navigates various challenges, including an encounter with restorative justice that brings his emotional deficiencies to light. Dickinson's character-driven narrative not only critiques societal attitudes towards the homeless but also captures the blurred lines between vulnerability and survival.
Harris Dickinson presents a nuanced exploration of homelessness through Mike's journey from street life to rehabilitation, revealing deep social commentary on class disparity.
Frank Dillane's compelling depiction of Mike captures the tragedy of homelessness, marked by vulnerability and desperation, against Dickinson's insightful narrative.
The restorative justice session exposes Mike's struggles with emotional intelligence, highlighting the inadequacies of societal systems in truly aiding rehabilitation.
The film blends humor with stark realities, using hallucinatory sequences to confront the fears of the privileged towards the marginalized.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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