New Voices Shine at Cannes Film Festival with "Urchin" and Other Features

Emerging Talent in the Spotlight

The creation of original films in today's cinematic landscape presents significant challenges, especially for newcomers aiming to showcase their work in high-profile festivals like Cannes. This year, entering the Un Certain Regard category, three unique films feature strong performances by notable actors: Scarlett Johansson's Eleanor the Great, starring veteran actress June Squibb; Kristen Stewart's The Chronology of Water, featuring Imogen Poots; and Harris Dickinson's Urchin, which promises to elevate Frank Dillane into Best Actor Oscar discussions, contingent upon effective distribution. Following positive buzz from previews in New York, all major North American distributors turned out to see its debut this weekend, and audience reception was enthusiastic.

Behind the Scenes of "Urchin"

In reflecting on the film's successful debut, Dickinson noted from the rooftop of the J.W. Marriott Hotel, “The applause was lovely. We soaked it all in with our crew and felt the love in the room.” Not yet 30, Dickinson's star has been rising since his breakout role in Beach Rats (2017) and continuing with the acclaim of Triangle of Sadness, which took home the Palme d’Or award.

Despite the acclaim, the journey to Urchin reaching Cannes was a lengthy six-year process. Dickinson began writing the script during outreach work in Walthamstow, where he engaged with unhoused individuals through a community project. This initiative aimed to repurpose furniture but also served as a sanctuary for vulnerable individuals. Dickinson has demonstrated a commitment to understanding the struggles of those facing cyclical behaviors and sought to approach the subject matter with empathy.

The Casting of Frank Dillane

Initially, Dickinson considered a range of actors before extending the role to Dillane, who he believed would bring the necessary depth and transformation to the character of Mike, a London addict. Dillane, enthusiastic about the opportunity, quickly attached himself to the project after reading the script. He remarked on the script’s unique structure, describing it as having an ambiguous arc that allowed for inventive narrative interpretations through each scene.

In a particularly poignant moment, Dillane's character, after achieving seven months of sobriety, finds solace in the company of his girlfriend and her parents during a family gathering. However, he succumbs to temptation and spirals into substance use, showcasing the complexity of addiction and the fleeting nature of connection.

Character Depth and Narrative Style

As Dillane highlights, Mike's innocence is key to gaining audience empathy, reflecting a flawed character who navigates the landscape of addiction and survival with a child-like openness. Dickinson emphasizes that this perspective on the character was vital for building authenticity in the narrative — one that straddles the line between charm and danger.

The stylistic choices made during production, such as long lens cinematography, provided an unromantic yet immersive portrayal of life on the streets. Dickinson aimed to create a visceral connection to the community while tactfully avoiding glamorizing the struggles depicted on screen, introducing elements of surrealism where appropriate to enhance the film's emotional weight.

Future Aspirations

As Dillane prepares to return to London for auditions, his trajectory has been undoubtedly altered following the release of Urchin. Dickinson plans to continue his creative momentum, moving on to portray John Lennon in Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles series while simultaneously pursuing his passion for writing and directing. His commitment to creating resonant, character-driven stories remains evident in his ongoing projects.

Conclusion

The success of Urchin at Cannes showcases the importance of new voices in cinema, challenging traditional narratives and shining a light on often-overlooked social issues. As emerging creators like Dickinson and actors like Dillane continue to break into the industry, the future of film promises an exciting evolution of storytelling that prioritizes depth and authenticity.