Pillion

Pillion is a 107‑minute romantic dark comedy‑drama that dives head‑first into the world of a timid gay man named Colin and an enigmatic biker named Ray. Written and directed by first‑time feature filmmaker Harry Lighton, the film is based on Adam Mars‑Jones’s 2020 novel Box Hill and stars Harry Melling as Colin and Alexander Skarsgård as Ray. The story follows Colin’s awkward, everyday life in Bromley, London, and his sudden, intense attraction to Ray, a charismatic member of a local biker club. Their relationship starts off as a BDSM dynamic and gradually becomes a complex exploration of identity, desire, and the boundaries of love.

The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2025, where it won the Best Screenplay prize and the Palm Dog for Mutt Moment. It opened in UK cinemas on 28 November 2025, distributed by Picturehouse and Warner Bros. Pictures UK, and later reached US audiences through A24. Critics have been effusive: Rotten Tomatoes reports a 99 % approval rating (average 8.1/10) from 170 reviews, while Metacritic gives it an 85/100, signalling universal acclaim. Reviewers praise Lighton’s confident direction, the sharp writing, and the standout performances of Melling and Skarsgård. The film’s blend of dark humor, psychological depth, and unapologetic eroticism has earned it a place among the most talked‑about LGBTQ+ releases of the year.

Pillion is a love letter to the gay biker community, with real members of the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club serving as advisors and cameo appearances. Lighton spent time with the club during research, and the film even features a cameo by Paul Tallis, a London‑based Welsh gay biker. The production was a UK‑Ireland co‑production, shot in South East England, and the score was composed by Oliver Coates. The film’s budget was $1 million, and it has already grossed over $3 million worldwide.

Who will enjoy Pillion? Fans of queer cinema, BDSM culture, and art‑house dramas will find plenty to love. The film’s frank depiction of sexual dynamics and its dark comedic tone make it a great pick for viewers who appreciate nuanced, character‑driven stories that don’t shy away from taboo topics. On the flip side, those who are uncomfortable with explicit sexual content or who prefer lighter, conventional romance might find the film a bit too intense or off‑beat. Overall, Pillion offers a fresh, unapologetic look at love and desire that’s both entertaining and thought‑provoking.