Alexander Skarsgård Leads Pillion, The Year’s Most Unconventional British Comedy
Awards season is upon us in the world of film, and one unconventional British film could be a dark horse for getting nominated. Pillion, directed by first timer Harry Lighton, has already picked up Best Film at the British Independent Film Awards, and may yet win more: it stars Alexander Skarsgård (Murderbot) and Harry Melling (Harry Potter) in a tale of romance and BDSM.
A comedy and psychological thriller, it’s currently playing in UK cinemas. Here’s all you need to know.
What is Pillion about?
Pillion centres around Colin, a timid and unsure man living with his parents and working a dull job. Colin is played by Harry Melling, who’s best known for his role as Dudley in Harry Potter, and has since won acclaim for his performances in projects like The Queen’s Gambit and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. The introverted Colin wishes (alongside a desire to join a barbershop quartet) to find someone to share a connection with. This wish is seemingly answered when a handsome stranger appears out of the blue in a pub and slips him a note. After meeting the stranger, a biker named Ray, in person, he becomes elusive, and Colin is left with his curiosity piqued. When he and Ray encounter each other again, Colin can’t help but be enthralled by him and discovers his BDSM lifestyle.
Colin soon falls into a BDSM relationship with Ray, with the biker being the dominant one who orders him around, which Colin happily obliges. He also changes his appearance in order to fit into Ray’s biker gang, and is excited to start a new chapter in his life as he discovers himself and gains confidence. However, is Ray really the hot ticket he seems? Colin is certainly smitten with him, but it’s possible he’s been taken advantage of. Their relationship grows more complex, and Colin’s family voices disapproval. Ultimately, Pillion looks like a funny, emotional drama that’s not just about sexuality and identity, but also self-worth and trust.
What else do we know?
Pillion also features Douglas Hodge (The Great), Lesley Sharp (The Full Monty), Anthony Welsh (Bob Marley: One Love) and Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears. The film is currently showing in UK cinemas, so make sure not to miss it- it’s almost certainly to be nominated for the BAFTAs.
