Urchin (2025) is a British drama about homelessness and addiction. The film is written and directed by Harris Dickinson in his feature debut. The cast is led by Frank Dillane as Mike.
The story follows Mike’s fragile attempts at rehabilitation after prison and a violent incident. The film premiered in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, playing in Un Certain Regard.
It won critical praise for its performances and realistic depiction of social systems. The film is distributed in the U.S. by 1-2 Special and is set for a limited North American release in October 2025.
Urchin Age Rating
British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has rated it 15 for drug misuse, strong language, and sex references. The BBFC 15 rating means those aged 15 and over may see the film; material at this level may include strong language, non-graphic drug misuse, and sexual references that are not explicit. In the absence of a U.S. MPAA certificate, parents should expect an equivalent MPAA rating of R for strong language, drug misuse, sexual references, and scenes of distressing violence or threat.
Violence & Peril
Violence in Urchin is emotionally intense but not graphically gory. The film depicts an act of unprovoked, impulsive violence and its aftermath. Scenes focus on the psychological and social fallout rather than explicit blood or gore. The tense atmosphere and threat of relapse create sustained peril and anxiety in several sequences.
Language
The film contains frequent strong language. Profanities are used in moments of anger and desperation. Racial slurs are not a central feature, though harsh and demeaning language appears in confrontations. Dialogue aims for gritty realism rather than gratuitous shock.
Mature Themes
Urchin handles substance misuse, homelessness, restorative justice, and mental-health struggles. Drug misuse is portrayed candidly and repeatedly. There are sex references and situations discussed in adult terms but no prolonged explicit scenes. Themes of alcoholism, shame, and the failures of social systems run throughout the story.
Is Urchin Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12–14: No. The film’s intense subject matter and frank drug misuse make it inappropriate. Younger teens may find the violence and despair upsetting.
Ages 15–17: With Guidance. Mature teens may understand the themes, but parental discussion is recommended. Expect strong language and realistic portrayals of addiction that could be distressing.
Ages 18+: Yes. Adults will be best placed to process the film’s emotional weight and social critique. Overall recommendation: best for viewers 16+ with guidance, or 18+ for full emotional readiness.
Final age recommendation: Watch with caution for older teens; safest for adults and mature 16–17 year olds with parental support.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen the film yourself to judge tone and emotional intensity before sharing it with a teen.
- Prepare to discuss addiction, homelessness, and restorative justice as complex issues without simple answers.
- After viewing, ask open questions about responsibility, support systems, and why people relapse.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is Urchin rated and why?
A: The BBFC has rated Urchin 15 for drug misuse, strong language, and sex references. No official MPAA rating has been announced; an R-equivalent is likely.
Q: Is Urchin appropriate for teens?
A: Not for younger teens. Older teens (16–17) may watch with parental guidance and pre/post discussion.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: The film includes an act of impulsive violence and tense, distressing sequences. The focus is emotional intensity rather than horror.
Q: Does Urchin use strong language or slurs?
A: Yes. The film uses frequent strong language and harsh speech in moments of conflict.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: The film contains sexual references and adult situations but no prolonged explicit sex scenes. Content is suggestive rather than explicit.
Q: Where will Urchin be released?
A: Urchin premiered at Cannes 2025. It is scheduled for a limited North American theatrical release in October 2025, with UK release details aligned with the BBFC classification.