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Pillion
2025 107 min United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands 18+
★7.5
Romance, Drama, Comedy
Director: Harry Lighton
🎭 Based on
«Box Hill»
byAdam Mars-Jones
Trailers
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Description
Colin, a timid gay man, is swept off his feet when Ray, an enigmatic and impossibly handsome biker, takes him on as his submissive in a crazy and erotic BDSM-focused relationship.
Budget:
$1M
US Gross:
$3.79M
Worldwide:
$6.53M
Starring
Harry Melling
Actor
Alexander Skarsgård
Actor
Douglas Hodge
Actor
Awards
Cannes Film Festival 2025
— Palm Dog Award – Special Mention
Cannes Film Festival 2025
— Un Certain Regard – Best Screenplay
Cannes Film Festival 2025
— Caméra d'Or
Key opinion
Pillion is a polarizing exploration of a power-imbalanced romantic relationship that draws strong performances from its leads. While many critics praise its nuanced study of human vulnerability and unconventional intimacy, others argue it fails to sufficiently critique the abusive nature of the dynamic.
| Acting | Harry Melling anchors the film with a deeply committed, fragile performance that makes the protagonist's emotional journey feel lived-in and sincere. | |
| Cinematography | The film utilizes precise, evocative cinematography to capture the isolation of the characters and the claustrophobic nature of their private world. | |
| Direction | The directorial vision succeeds in creating a distinct, grounded atmosphere that blends sub-cultural observation with dry, offbeat humor. | |
| Theme | Opinions on the film's moral framing are deeply divided: some view it as a non-judgmental exploration of consensual human vulnerability, while others decry it as a dangerous romanticization of toxic, abusive behavior. | |
| Ending | The ending remains a point of contention, with viewers split on whether the resolution provides a meaningful, life-affirming conclusion or an unearned abandonment of the character's earlier logical development. |