Pillion

Pillion is a 107‑minute romantic dark‑comedy drama that takes a fresh, non‑judgmental look at a very unconventional love story. It follows Colin, a shy, book‑loving gay man who meets Ray, an enigmatic biker with a mysterious edge, and the two dive head‑first into a world of sadomasochism that challenges Colin’s sense of self and explores themes of identity, desire and power. The film is based on Adam Mars‑Jones’s novel Box Hill and marks the confident directorial debut of Harry Lighton, whose writing and staging have already earned rave reviews.

The movie premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2025, where it received a standing ovation and went on to win Best Screenplay and the Palm Dog award. In the UK it opened in cinemas on 28 November 2025 and has been a hit at the BFI London Film Festival, earning 10 nominations and four wins at the British Independent Film Awards, including Best British Independent Film. Lighton also took home Best Adapted Screenplay at the Gotham Independent Film Awards, and the film was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut at the BAFTAs.

Critics have been overwhelmingly positive: 99 % of 193 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes are positive with an average rating of 8.1/10, and Metacritic gives it an 85/100 score. Reviewers praise Lighton’s confident direction, the witty, understated humor, and the knockout performances of Harry Melling as Colin and Alexander Skarsgård as Ray. The film’s score by Oliver Coates, cinematography by Nick Morris and editing by Gareth C. Scales add to its polished, art‑house feel. Real members of a gay leather club served as advisors and even appear as themselves, lending authenticity to the biker culture.

Who will enjoy Pillion? If you’re into LGBTQ+ cinema, art‑house dramas, dark humor, or are curious about BDSM dynamics, this film will likely resonate with you. Its psychological depth and emotional intelligence make it a compelling study of self‑discovery that goes beyond surface‑level romance. On the flip side, viewers who prefer mainstream romantic comedies or who are uncomfortable with explicit sexual content and power‑based relationships might find the film too intense or off‑beat. Overall, Pillion invites audiences to witness a complex, human journey without judgment, proving that a small indie production can deliver universal themes with style and heart.