Pillion (2025)

A timid gay man (Harry Melling) from the London suburbs is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker (Alexander Skarsgard) takes him on as his submissive. As their relationship intensifies, both are pushed out of their comfort zones. Based on the novel BOX HILL by Adam Mars Jones and directed by Harry Lighton in his feature film directorial debut. Hollywood's wan attempts at exploring BDSM relationships (9 1/2 WEEKS, 50 SHADES OF GREY) seemed more intent on titillating audiences rather than a serious look at such relationships. Lighton's movie could, not altogether inaccurately, be described as MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE meets LAST TANGO IN PARIS but its interest isn't prurient but rather an incisive and ultimately heartbreaking look at two people whose self exploration eventually puts a barrier in their relationship. Both Skarsgard and Melling are excellent. An impressive film debut and I look forward to what Lighton comes up with next. With Douglas Hodge and Lesley Sharp.