Pillion

1. In Theaters : 
2. Pillion

The Reel Review

A

Colin, a shy, socially awkward parking attendant, finds his passively humdrum life suddenly brimming with excitement when the enigmatic, stunningly handsome leader of a gay biker group takes an interest in making him his new submissive in a BDSM relationship. Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård star in this provocative, British coming-of-kink drama.

In his feature film debut, writer/director Harry Lighton deftly and unapologetically captures aspects of the often-misunderstood dynamics of the BDSM lifestyle, with the still shocking, graphic sex scenes that have been watered down for mainstream audiences. Impressive cinematography and a lyrical score give the thought-provoking story a strangely hypnotic, erotic vibe. There are also some darkly funny moments.

Through the course of the film, we witness Colin’s emotional evolution, as he literally and figuratively moves away from the pillion (the passenger seat behind the motorcycle driver) and takes the driver’s seat in his own life. Both Melling (The Queen’s Gambit, the Harry Potter films) and Skarsgård are excellent as the intimacy-starved duo whose lifestyle choices fall far outside of the mainstream, which is eloquently captured by Lesley Sharp (Naked, Living the Dream) as Colin’s well-meaning mother who is dying of cancer and just wants her son to be happy, even if it doesn’t fit her traditional definition of happiness. While obviously not for everyone, the story is refreshing in its authenticity.

REEL FACTS

• Pillion writer/director Harry Lighton spent a weekend with real members of the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club, who served as story advisors and appeared in the film as members of the gay biker gang.

• The film is based on Adam Mars-Jones’ 2020 novel “Box Hill.”

• Pillion won the Best Screenplay award at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and is nominated for three BAFTAs, for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer, for Lighton.