Harris Dickinson’s Directorial Debut ‘Urchin’ Bought by 1-2 Special for North America (EXCLUSIVE)

“Urchin,” the directorial debut of “Babygirl” and “Triangle of Sadness” star Harris Dickinson, has been acquired for North America by 1-2 Special, the New York-based distributor that launched earlier this year.

The film — a vivid portrayal of homelessness and mental health on the streets of London — bowed in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard sidebar in May to solid reviews and an enthusiastic 5-minute standing ovation. It wound up winning the competition’s best performance prize for its breakout actor Frank Dillane as well as the FIPRESCI Prize awarded by the International Federation of Film Critics.

1-2 Special is planning a theatrical release for the film this fall.

“Urchin” is a deeply personal work for Dickinson — who also appears in the film — and is centered on characters living on the margins of society. The story follows Mike (Dillane), a rough sleeper in London who becomes trapped in a cycle of self-destruction as he struggles to turn his life around. Raw and occasionally absurd, the film is described as being “about the strange patterns that hold us back.”

In his review, Variety critic Guy Lodge described the film as a “starkly effective debut” for Dickinson and a “compassionate character study,” adding that Dillane is “raggedly heartbreaking as a homeless addict unable to break the cycle.”

Alongside Dillane and Dickinson (who will soon start shooting Sam Mendes’ The Beatles biopics, playing John Lennon), the film also stars Amr Waked (“Ramy”) and Megan Northam (“Meanwhile on Earth”). The film was shot by Josée Deshaies (“Passages,” “The Beast”) and features a score by electronic musician Alan Myson.

One of Hollywood’s fastest rising faces, Dickinson wrote and directed “Urchin,” going straight into prep on the film once he finished filming “Babygirl” in early 2024. It marks the first feature under the Devisio Pictures banner he launched with producer Archie Pearch.

“We’re incredibly excited to have 1-2 Special on board as our North American distributor,” said Pearch. “Their bold, distinctive slate and deep passion for the film make them the ideal partner to help us connect with audiences across North America. As a new company ourselves, we recognized a kindred spirit in their entrepreneurial passion.”

“Urchin” was produced by Pearch at Devisio Pictures, with Scott O’Donnell of Somesuch. The film was developed by BBC Film, and was financed by BBC Film, BFI and Tricky Knot. Executive producers are Eva Yates, Ama Ampadu, Alexandra Tynion and Olivia Tyson.

The deal was negotiated by The Gersh Agency, UTA Independent Film Group, and Charades on behalf of the filmmakers with 1-2 Special.

Launched in February 2025 and headed by former Sideshow exec Jason Hellerstein, 1-2 Special vows to be a “theatrical-first” distributor. In the last few months it has acquired Radu Jude’s upcoming Locarno premiere “Dracula,” as well as his Silver Bear winner “Kontinental ‘25,” Christian Petzold’s Directors’ Fortnight premiere “Miroirs No. 3,” and Simón Mesa Soto’s Un Certain Regard Jury Prize winner “A Poet.”