Pillion

Colin is a quiet, cautious man whose life is upended when he meets Ray, an enigmatic biker whose looks and ease draw Colin out of his routines. Ray invites Colin into an unconventional relationship where Colin takes a submissive role, and the film follows how that arrangement reshapes their daily interactions, social circles, and personal boundaries. Scenes shift from awkward humor to intimate, unguarded moments, showing how trust and communication develop between two very different people. The story stays focused on their evolving dynamic, balancing romance and comedy while keeping surprises and conclusions private.

Directed by Harry Lighton and created by Adam Mars-Jones, Pillion arrived in 2025 with a cast led by Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård, supported by Brian Martin, Lesley Sharp and Douglas Hodge. The film’s tone mixes lightness with quiet intensity, and its look favors close, domestic framings.

As of early 2025 Pillion has not received major awards or high-profile nominations. It has attracted attention among reviewers and viewers for the performances, leaving open the possibility of later recognition at more festivals or awards circuits.

Though still new, Pillion prompted discussion about portrayals of masculinity and negotiated desire, particularly in queer contexts. Commentators highlighted the film’s willingness to show power exchange without sensationalizing it, and viewers noted how the leads handled vulnerable scenes with restraint rather than spectacle.

Early reception has been generally positive, the current community rating sits at 8.0/10 from nine votes. Critics and audiences praised the chemistry between Melling and Skarsgård, along with the film’s gentle humor and deliberate pacing. Major themes include consent, selfhood, and how intimacy is shaped by communication and agreement, with the movie often returning to small gestures that reveal character.