Sea Urchin, an indie drama currently on Hulu, marks a significant directorial debut with compelling performances, particularly by Harris Dickinson and Frank Dillane. The film received notable acclaim, winning the International Federation of Critics Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025. Dillane, recognized for his work in Fear the Walking Dead and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, portrays a homeless man battling drug addiction. This combination, along with Dickinson’s raw, realistic approach, delivers a film that lingers in the mind.
Sea Urchin: Stream it or skip it?
Key Points: We first meet Mike (Dillane) on a narrow sidewalk in London. He struggles to retrieve a backpack from behind some trash and begs for change at a corner. After dozing off in a diner while charging his phone, he’s kicked out, visibly anxious, perhaps reflecting recent highs or an urgent need for a fix. Finding a rooftop space, Mike unrolls a cardboard box and sleeping bag—this appears to be his routine. Eventually, it’s revealed he has lived this way for five years.
One day, Mike confronts Nathan (Dickinson), a man teetering on the edge of homelessness, accusing him of wallet theft. A scuffle ensues, interrupted by Simon (Okezie Moro), who helps disband the fight. Mike retrieves his wallet, but Nathan remarks that Mike doesn’t even have any cash. Simon, concerned, tries to assist, suggesting they head to a bagel shop. As Simon talks about the “empathy gap” in society, Mike’s frustration boils over; he punches Simon and steals his watch and money. Shortly after, Mike pawns the watch for $40 but is soon arrested and subjected to a strip search at the police station. In a contemplative moment in the shower, the camera focuses on the drain, symbolizing a deep dive into Mike’s turmoil.
Perhaps this experience serves as a brief retreat for Mike in prison. After a few months, he meets with his parole officer, revealing a complicated family background. Shown to a hostel and a restaurant job opportunity, he expresses a hope of pursuing a career in driving. Yet, interruptions from authority figures imply they see him as a low priority. Mike appears to improve—working well, embracing self-help meditation, and enjoying karaoke with colleagues. However, a pivotal meeting with Simon about his past actions reveals a shift; he’s no longer the manic individual he once was but instead embodies a strange calmness.
Which movie does it remind you of? Stylistically, Sea Urchin resonates with character-driven studies like Aquarium and Half Nelson, with subtle echoes of Taxi Driver.
Featured Performance: Dillane captures Mike’s nervousness convincingly, showcasing a raw and vulnerable portrayal, especially when he stands before a mirror, appearing to grapple with inner demons. However, it has a less malicious feel compared to Taxi Driver, leaning into a more naive and self-destructive essence.
Sex and Skin: Contains brief nudity and a masturbation scene.
Our Perspective: I found myself grappling with the nuances of Sea Urchin, especially regarding Mike’s self-awareness. He often flirts with moments of realization but retreats instead of confronting his reality. The interaction between Mike and Simon should serve as a turning point but raises a troubling moral dilemma: it suggests that those who perpetrate harm also carry trauma. Mike tends to compartmentalize, pushing painful thoughts away, only for them to resurface.
So, how deep do you want to explore this “empathy gap”? The film challenges simplistic views of crime and punishment, touching on deeper issues like mental illness, addiction, and inadequate social systems. Many don’t prioritize people like Mike, whether due to indifference, emotional exhaustion, or being overwhelmed by their own challenges.
Dillane’s portrayal maintains an observational tone, yet it possesses a warmth. There’s a poignant disconnect when Mike sits across from Simon, visibly shrinking within himself. His subsequent firing leads him to a job emptying trash cans in a park where he meets kind-hearted individuals. Yet, he isolates emotionally, spiraling into self-destructive behavior. The film takes a hard look at both physical and psychological violence while critiquing a society that marginalizes vulnerable individuals. Harrison presents a vision that transcends melodrama, intertwining tense realism with dreamlike surrealism, inviting the audience to derive meaning both symbolically and literally. Mike’s existence remains precarious.
Our Recommendation: It’s unfortunate that Dickinson will be preoccupied portraying John Lennon in an upcoming quartet of The Beatles films—his directorial talents deserve more attention sooner rather than later. This film is worth streaming.
How to Watch Sea Urchin
If you’re new to Hulu, they offer a 30-day free trial on the ad-supported plan, which transitions to $10.99 monthly after the trial. An ad-free option is available for $18.99 per month.
Looking to save? There are Disney+ bundles that include Hulu, starting at $12.99 a month with ads, and rising to $32.99 for ad-free access to Disney+, Hulu, and Max.
