Pillion Wraps a Tale of Self-Discovery in a Tender Sub-Dom Romance

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It’s not realistic to expect a partner to fulfill all of your emotional needs. But how much is realistic? There’s no easy answer. Director Harry Lighton’s film, Pillion, explores this idea in a gentle and charming way. The film honestly looks at what people desire, both physically and emotionally, and the things we’re often too afraid to admit. It also acknowledges that we all figure things out as we go – nobody is born knowing everything, and that’s okay. That process of discovery is actually what makes life interesting.

Harry Melling plays Colin, a sweet and gentle man living in the quiet London suburb of Bromley with his supportive parents. His mother, Peggy, is bravely battling cancer and has even attempted to find him dates with suitable men. On Christmas Eve, while performing with his barbershop quartet—which includes his overly cheerful father—Colin spots a group of bikers causing a little commotion. He’s particularly drawn to one of them, a handsome and muscular man who cuts in front of him at the bar and then anonymously sends him a Christmas card with a time and location. Colin’s family is understandably curious when he doesn’t reveal the details of this mysterious Christmas night rendezvous, especially when they learn it’s in a Primark parking lot. The man in question is Alexander Skarsgård, looking striking in a leather racing suit – a proposition that’s hard to resist.

I was completely captivated by the dynamic between Ray and Colin. From the moment they met – each with a dog that perfectly foreshadowed their relationship, a powerful Rottweiler and an adorable dachshund! – I knew things were going to be interesting. Ray, so dominant and imposing, immediately challenges Colin, and it’s clear from that moment who’s in control. Then, the reveal… it’s bold and sets everything in motion. Watching Colin transform was incredible. He willingly embraces a submissive role, finding genuine joy in serving Ray. He’s cooking, sleeping near Ray’s feet, and even completely changing his appearance to fit Ray’s world. It’s not just about power dynamics; you can see Colin falling in love with the act of devotion itself, admitting he has a natural talent for it. It’s a fascinating and unexpectedly tender story.

Honestly, whether Ray is good for Colin feels like the wrong question when watching Pillion (which, by the way, is based on Adam Mars-Jones’ novel Box Hill). The film really delves into the complexities of their connection. Colin tries to keep things quiet with his parents, but his mom, Peggy, is instantly suspicious of Ray – she’s protective and a bit of a busybody. His dad, Pete, is wonderfully calm and seems to understand that you can’t truly know a relationship from the outside. And it’s definitely clear that Ray isn’t always kind to Colin, and that seems intentional. Bill Skarsgård is amazing, though. He plays Ray as this stoic, almost unreadable guy, but you still catch these tiny little glimmers of amusement – it’s such a nuanced performance. Ultimately, Ray gives Colin something he didn’t even realize he was missing, but it doesn’t end up being a lasting fix.

The movie Pillion is a funny and heartwarming story about finding yourself. It follows Colin and his partner Ray, along with their biker friends, on a camping trip. A key moment happens when the group playfully sheds their gear and jumps into a swimming hole, revealing their bodies and a sense of freedom. Later, one friend casually compliments the couple’s appearance, subtly highlighting Ray’s attractiveness next to Colin’s more average looks. However, the conversation takes a turn when he asks if Colin and Ray ever kiss, and then if Colin misses it. This question sparks a realization for Colin: he deserves to have his own needs and desires met, not just focus on pleasing others.

The idea behind the film is straightforward, but it explores a complex aspect of relationships: finding someone willing to compromise. Where do you find that balance – someone who meets you halfway, or even goes further? The film’s director, Lighton, finds answers in the expressions of his actors. Initially, Melling’s character, Colin, is full of joy and thankful to have discovered his passion, but he soon realizes that simply finding it isn’t enough. When he finally confronts his demanding partner, we understand something about Ray without it being explicitly stated – it’s a subtle, fleeting moment. This is the beauty of Pillion: it’s about the unspoken needs in a relationship, and the eventual realization that it’s okay to ask for what you want. It requires vulnerability, but love and intimacy are rarely comfortable. The things that make them thrilling also make them risky. Pillion suggests that falling in love means accepting that you’re an active participant, not just a passenger.

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2026-02-06 17:06