Urchin is a British drama movie directed by Harris Dickinson (in his feature-length directorial debut) and written by him as well. It stars Frank Dillane, Megan Northam, Karyna Khymchuk, Shonagh Marie, and Amr Waked.
Urchin tells the story of a man living on the streets of London, struggling with addiction and finding small moments of kindness and connection amid chaos. The film explores themes of survival, humanity, and hope within the city’s harsh realities.
The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2025, in the “Un Certain Regard” section. It is scheduled to be released on October 17, 2025, in the United States. The film is distributed by BBC Film and A24.
Here’s what is known so far about where and how it was filmed.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Urchin Filmed?
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Name | Urchin |
| Genres | Drama |
| Filming Locations | London, England, UK |
| Filming Dates | May 2024 |
| Cinematography by | Josée Deshaies |
| Release Date | October 17, 2025 |
The filming of Urchin took place mainly in London, starting in May 2024. Most scenes were shot around East London, where the director Harris Dickinson grew up. He used real city streets and local settings to create a grounded and authentic environment. The movie finished filming later that year and entered post-production in early 2025.
📍London / East London
Most scenes of Urchin were filmed in East London, using real neighborhoods to portray the life of a homeless man. The streets, underpasses, and local shops you’ll see in the movie all come from real East London areas. Dickinson chose this area because of its gritty realism and because it reflects the urban energy that the story needs.
Some parts of Urchin were also filmed in Central London, including busy streets and public areas that show the contrast between the city’s wealthy and poor sides. These spots added depth to the story, showing how the main character feels invisible in the crowd.
East London blends a proud, working-class heritage with a vibrant, multicultural, and artistic modern edge. The historic streets, once London’s docklands, are now home to famous street art, bustling markets like Brick Lane, and the gleaming towers of Canary Wharf. This corner of the city is a true melting pot, where traditional Cockney identity meets a constant flow of new ideas and communities.
📍Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, Dartford, England
Address: Dartford Crossing, Purfleet-on-Thames, Dartford RM20 3EE, United Kingdom
A beautiful view of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge can be seen in the background of one scene in Urchin. This striking bridge adds a visual connection to London’s outer landscape and symbolizes distance and separation — themes that run throughout the movie. The filmmakers used this location to subtly highlight the city’s industrial beauty and emotional tone.
Urchin Behind the Scenes
Director Harris Dickinson said that Urchin is a very personal film, inspired by the people and stories he saw growing up in London. He wanted to shoot the film using real city lights, natural shadows, and minimal sets.
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2025, receiving strong praise for its direction and emotional storytelling.
Several behind-the-scenes photos were shared by fans and production members on social media.
You can follow updates and BTS glimpses here:-
Is There a Trailer for Urchin?
Yes, the official trailer for Urchin (2025) was released by People Magazine and is also available on YouTube:–
FAQs
Q1: Where was Urchin filmed?
A1: Most of the filming took place in London, especially in East London.
Q2: When did Urchin start filming?
A2: Principal photography began in May 2024.
Q3: Who chose the locations and why East London?
A3: Harris Dickinson chose East London partly because it was familiar to him, giving authenticity and practical advantages.
Q4: Can I visit those filming locations in East London?
A4: Potentially yes, if you can identify the exact streets and blocks used. Because the film used real city locations, some parts may be public. But production details (permissions, temporary sets) might have altered them.