Harris Dickinson’s iconic performance in Beach Rats signaled the arrival of a new cinematic force, with his role as Frankie in Eliza Hittman’s film casting him as a compelling figure in modern film. Dickinson’s emotional and nuanced acting in Beach Rats, though initially overlooked by some, firmly established him as a bold and thoughtful performer capable of deep vulnerability.
The Rise of Dickinson’s Onscreen Presence
Harris Dickinson’s ascent into stardom reached a new audience after his “Father Figure” scene in Babygirl went viral, sparking intense fascination online. For many viewers, this was their introduction to Dickinson’s work, while others appreciated seeing him take on bold and sensual characters. Despite the excitement surrounding Babygirl, Dickinson’s trajectory in cinema began years before, with devoted fans admiring his willingness to dive into challenging roles and deliver layered performances. His recent achievement of premiering his directorial debut at the Cannes Film Festival only further highlighted his growing influence in the industry.
Hallmarks of Dickinson’s Acting Style
From the start, Dickinson has shown an instinctive approach to performance—fearlessly delving into emotionally complex characters. In Triangle of Sadness, he deftly captured the subtle tensions present in modern relationships, while in Matthias and Maxime, his portrayal displayed a confidence and depth that few young actors attempt early in their careers. His longstanding ability to bring compassion and precision to his characters set him apart, leading many to call attention to his talents well before mainstream recognition arrived.
‘Beach Rats’: A Defining Debut
Among his early filmography, Dickinson’s role in Beach Rats remains a touchstone for critics and audiences alike. The film was underappreciated during its original release, but few could deny the unmistakable skill he brought to the screen. Portraying Frankie, a young man navigating the complexities of his sexual identity, Dickinson delivered a remarkably internal performance that communicated volumes through silence and gesture.
Eliza Hittman’s direction gave the film a dreamlike, almost suffocating atmosphere, reflecting the endless summer that traps Frankie between worlds. Life for Frankie was split between a hidden digital existence and the harsh realities shaped by friends and family, who imposed rigid expectations about masculinity and queerness. Dickinson’s presence made these struggles palpable, as Frankie tried to fit the fragments of his private and public selves together, only to increasingly realize the two could not coexist in peace.
The Film’s Haunting Final Moments
Beach Rats leaves a lasting impact with its concluding beach scene, where Dickinson, as Frankie, stands divided between two irreconcilable identities. Through the film’s pared-down visual choices—single-source lighting and shadowed images—the audience is pulled into Frankie’s isolation, often only glimpsing parts of his figure on screen, a powerful metaphor for his fractured sense of self. This artistic approach mirrored the emotional core of the film, making Dickinson’s performance all the more profound.
A New Standard of Vulnerability in Modern Cinema
Debuting in such a bold yet restrained film showcased Dickinson’s courage and maturity as an actor, setting a remarkable standard in contemporary cinema. The compassion and confidence required to embody Frankie marked Dickinson as an emerging icon, one who reintroduced male vulnerability and nuanced emotional depth to the screen. This trend, now seen in his subsequent directorial work and acting choices, demonstrates his commitment to complex, authentic portrayals and signals an exciting future both in front of and behind the camera.
In reflecting on Harris Dickinson’s journey, it is clear that Beach Rats did not just launch his career—it revealed the arrival of a powerful new voice, one whose ability to blend courage, sensitivity, and authenticity will influence modern film for years to come.
