Riding the Edge of Power and Intimacy
The best films are those that shift our perspective, spark passionate debate, and leave us with something meaningful to reflect on. Pillion does exactly that — challenging conventional ideas of power, intimacy and identity, inviting audiences into a world rarely portrayed on screen, and prompting conversations that linger long after the credits roll. Winner of four British Independent Film Awards, Pillion is billed as a provocative dom-com. Written and directed by Harry Lighton in his feature debut, the film stars Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, both of whom deliver extremely compelling performances.
A darkly funny, boundary-pushing film is about Colin (Harry Melling), a shy and directionless young man who lives at home with his parents until he is suddenly drawn into a relationship with Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), the charismatic leader of a biker gang. Though he is thrilled by the attention of such a desirable man, he soon realises that certain expectations and codes of behaviour come with it. Caught up in the world of the biker gang where dominance and submission shape the dynamic, Colin finds himself navigating unfamiliar terrain. Driven by his longing and captivated by this almost godlike figure, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges his understanding of desire, identity and power.
While the juxtaposition between Ray and Colin is cause for many humorous moments, there are strong dramatic themes that create tension throughout the film. Colin is young, naive and vulnerable and doesn’t seem safe in this new situation he finds himself in. On occasion he is dealt some cruel blows. However a genuine fondness and intimacy develops between him and Ray to a point where Colin tries to assert himself more in the relationship and test the boundaries.
The story unfolds with striking candour, free from judgement or inhibition, allowing its characters to exist in all their complexity. There is no imposed moral lens guiding us toward approval or condemnation; rather, we are asked simply to observe, to feel, and to confront the ambiguities that lie at the heart of human connection.
The film opens nationally from February 19th.
