A movie whose plot was described by A24 as “a timid man is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive,” the film proves to be a true coming-of-age tale surrounding a man’s deep dive into the BDSM community, finding love, pleasure, and a new sense of himself in a world that he is completely unknown to.
Set in Bromley, London, the audience is introduced to Colin (Harry Melling), who is the definition of an introvert. Colin serves as a parking enforcement officer; outside of work, he sings in a barbershop quartet at his local bar. A timid individual, Colin meets Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), a gorgeous member of the local bike gang. Both Melling and Skarsgård executed their roles perfectly, and it seemed as though the break in their typical filmography served them both extremely well.
Ray and Colin meet one night in the local bar where Colin performs. Initiated by a slipped note by Ray that night to Colin, the turbulent and tumultuous relationship between the two begins here. A timeline that involves a frisky first encounter on Christmas Day, a shaved head and style change by Colin, and a birthday camping trip, Colin and Ray’s relationship is all but ordinary, a true exploration of the different types of experience that envelop the queer world.
(Photo courtesy of A24)
Through it all, the portrayal of Colin and Ray’s relationship is refreshing to the eyes of fans. In typical queer relationship tropes, you often see either full toxicity or full positivity in the day-to-day lives of the characters. But for Ray and Colin, their story was a rollercoaster of events. Although their relationship started as a strict dominant and submissive partnership, it evolved into one of care and romance. With a sense of secrecy that adds to the mystery and game-nature of their relationship, “Pillion” screams untraditional in all sorts of ways. The journey that both parties went on in this film is filled with learning and acceptance of themselves and one another.
The pacing, the comedic timing, and the acting from both Melling and Skarsgård truly put this movie in a league of its own, and I implore anyone with any sort of interest to indulge in such a film.
Following the viewing of the film at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, writer and director Harry Lighton held a Q-and-A session before receiving the Breakthrough Artist Award. Moderated by an individual from Wicked Queer, a Boston-based Queer film festival, the Q&A provided insight into the writing process.
A major change that came from the adaptation of “Pillion” from the book “Box Hill” by Adam Mars-Jones (on which the film is based) was changing the era in which the events took place in. Jumping from the 1970s into a more modern time, the change affected the understanding and portrayal of the characters in a way that Lighton found enjoyable.
“[“Box Hill”] is set in this world of gay bikers, but in the ’70s in England. I found that if it was set in the ’70s . . . [Ray]’s mystery surrounds him; definitely being closeted, he has a wife and kids somewhere, or some other reason for hiding himself. Whereas, what I loved about the possibility of Ray was that his mystery could just be a part of an erotic game,” Lighton stated.
“Pillion” is a movie that I believe will surpass the test of time and stay applicable as our society continues to grow and evolve. A cutting-edge film that explores a community that is often shamed and ignored, “Pillion” is the type of cultural insight that is needed now more than ever.
–Feb. 17, 2026–
