NZIFF: Urchin

This raw, engaging directorial debut feature from rising star, Harris Dickinson (Babygirl, Triangle of Sadness), offers a sympathetic portrait of a homeless drug addict. Mike (Frank Dillane) has hit rock bottom and is trying to put his life back together after a stint in prison. Through a freewheeling narrative, Urchin effectively captures the rollercoaster of emotions and setbacks that come with addiction, a declining mental state and dealing with a world that at times can lack empathy for the mentally ill. Frank Dillane's performance is the highlight as he carries the character through repeated incidents of self-destruction followed by attempts to claw his way back into the rat race. At times hilarious and other times terrifying, Mike is someone you've seen before, someone that you see on the street causing drama, the prospective employee coming to job interviews with big gaps in their CV, your friend that is sweet and outgoing but also an expert on self-sabotage. While the film doesn't offer any answers, it paints a realistic portrait that wants to help others understand the trap of poverty and addiction. — Jordan SalomenPT1H39MR162025-09-08
Frank Dillane
Megan Northam
Karyna Khymchuk
Harris Dickinson
Harris Dickinson
Archie Pearch
Scott O'Donnell
NZIFF: Urchin"NZIFF: Urchin"

Showtimes

September 8, 8:00 pm

September 10, 3:20 pm

State Cinemas