By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
If you’re into middle aged bikers in BDSM attire, then this movie may be for you. “Pillion” is based on the 2020 novel, “Box Hill” by Adam Mars-Jones and originally debuted last year at the Cannes Film Festival. The sex scenes are very graphic and designed to make viewers uncomfortable, but there is a story being told here that is uniquely romantic.
As a young man living with his parents, Colin (Harry Melling) is a shy, hopeless romantic who struggles finding a compatible match. When he crosses paths with an extremely attractive biker named Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), Colin becomes infatuated and immediately accepts his role as Ray’s submissive. As he learns this unfamiliar world of bondage and submission, their unorthodox relationship grows deeper, leading Colin to want more than Ray may be willing to give.
The word pillion refers to the seat for a passenger directly behind the motorcyclist, making this an apt title for the movie. This is the feature directorial debut for English director Harry Lighton, who also co-wrote the adapted screenplay. To his credit, he doesn’t pull any punches when displaying the fetish form of sexuality that is not often depicted in film. In fact, he creates confrontational scenes that throw themselves in the viewers’ faces with graphic nudity and imagery that border on pornographic. It is amazing and head-scratching that the MPAA gave this film an R-rating and not an NC-17 rating at the very least, because it puts a film like “Showgirls” to shame. Ironically, there is a raunchier version of this movie that Lighton cut down to be more palatable and avoid deliberate images designed to shock the audience.
Despite the heavy handed and multiple instances of full male nudity, there is a defined purpose and compelling story hidden amongst the visuals. Lighton successfully explores this unconventional romance, delving into this submissive/dominant relationship style. Yes, the visuals can be shocking and possibly off-putting, but he gives them meaning by focusing on the psychological intimacy that occurs during the seemingly transactional BDSM connection. He realistically conveys the mistakes made during first relationships that shape the characters’ understanding of what they may like or dislike from their partner that can be applied to future relationships, regardless of the type of relationship it may be. In this way, Lighton supplies a tenderness to this unique romance that is undeniable, rewarding the more open-minded viewers.
Committed to displaying this subculture in as honest a way as possible, Lighton spent a weekend with actual members of the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club, who even appear in the film. He does try to bring some levity to this story by incorporating that English style of awkward humor, especially during those sexual situations, but it doesn’t always connect. It should also be mentioned that the cinematography is high quality, focusing on an intimate style that favors character psychology over spectacle. The interesting hidden camera techniques and 360-degree panning are nice touches.
Harry Melling has come a long way since playing Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter movies. Here, he supplies his character with such a meekness and naivete that makes his transition into a submissive a believable one. The lack of self-confidence and awkwardness he displays is convincing and makes his character amusingly appealing. As his character grows and finds his voice, he blossoms with more assertiveness. This is certainly his most complete performance to date.
Alexander Skarsgård, son of Stellan and brother of Bill, has proven throughout his career that he is not shy to show his naked body on screen and that couldn’t be truer for this film. Nudity aside, he demonstrates this unique chemistry with Melling as the dominant character in their relationship. His detached aggression and avoidance of emotional connection promptly place his character in the role of master over Melling’s character. As the story plays out, his subtle glimpses of humanity hint at more depth than is revealed on the surface.
This movie is a difficult watch and not for everyone to the point that you’ll want to leave early if you’re unprepared and unwilling to accept the sexually explicit visuals. “Pillion” is one of those productions that could have had a greater impact and exposure if the sex scenes were toned down a bit to not distract from what is a unique romantic storyline. Be that as it may, the curious dynamic of a submissive relationship will certainly stick with you.
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