This new, bold, subversive film, Pillion, is the feature directorial debut for British writer-director Harry Lighton. I know fans of HBO’s True Blood will recognize the hot motorcycle-riding leather-clad hunk at the center of desire in this story as the one and only Alexander Skarsgård. And Harry Potter fans will recognize the actor who played Dudley Dursley in most of the franchise as Harry Melling, who is all grown up now and ready for a different magical adventure.
***NOTE to all “Vanillias” who might clutch their pearls as they storm out of the movie theater because the sex scenes in this film are raw and unflinching. Don’t go see this film because you will not like it! It will be too shocking for your delicate sensibilities. That’s ok, you can go see the new Wuthering Heights, or the animation GOAT. There are plenty of other options for you to choose from. So save yourself some money and outrage, and go enjoy something else in theaters. If you’re looking for a different kind of romantic film experience, it may be best to explore other reviews.
Alright, if you’re still with me, I’m guessing you’re not put off by male homosexuality or zipped leather trailers. If that’s the case, this film might be your perfect date-night movie. It features a meet-cute, a mismatched couple, obstacles to overcome, growth together, and yes, intense, emotion-packed sex scenes. What more could you ask from a romantic film?
Amazingly enough, that is exactly what this BDSM story is at its core, a romance story. In case you don’t remember what the acronym stands for, it is Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, and Masochism. Basically, BDSM covers a variety of often erotic practices and or roleplaying in a subculture and community of like-minded people. For the purposes of this film, the story is set in England in the 1970s.
We are introduced to Colin (Harry Melling) at Christmas, singing Barbershop-style songs with his dad in a group dressed as if they fell out of the 1950s. At the pub where they’re performing, he first meets Ray (Alexander Skargård), the dominant leather-clad ringleader of a queer biker group. To his surprise, Ray leaves him a note with the details of when and where to meet him the next night. Collin’s family is very supportive of his gay lifestyle. But they have no idea who he’s meeting for the first time. Or that it will lead to a dark alley where Colin is given an option to fall to his knees and do what comes naturally. Thus begins the master-submissive relationship between Ray and Collin, and so does this love story.
The rest of the film is surprisingly nuanced, and the director chooses to orchestrate a tone that dances between the humor and the raw, unvarnished intimacy of the story of these two mismatched men and Colin’s introduction to the very different BDSM world these bikers luxuriate in.
Pillion has the expected fun romcom awkward moments between Colin and Ray as the intensity of sexual contact increases. It is the transformation of Colin—from a totally nerdy parking meter attendant to a shaved head, leather-wearing, chain-and-lock-around-his-neck submissive man in love with his master—that undergirds the whole film. Colin seeks acceptance and belonging, which he gradually finds within the biker community. Interacting with the group’s other submissives, Colin explores his desire to fit in with those who share his new identity. Meanwhile, Ray’s motivation becomes clear as he balances his dominant persona with genuine affection and care for Colin, guiding him deeper into the group and the relationship. As the story wraps up, Ray and Colin’s love story comes to a surprising conclusion.
In fact, I was debating the ending with the person I saw Pillion with after the credits rolled. There were two options; both interpretations have a ring of truth. To avoid giving away the ending, I will have to be vague here. Option one is a more romantic and heartfelt reason for the ending that we got. Option two, the one I voted for, is more sadistic in nature for the same outcome. Either way, go see the movie, and you can decide which way you fall on the ending debate.
Pillion was beautifully shot by cinematographer Nick Morris. His choice to film the movie’s graphic scenes with a measured, sometimes humorous tone was perfect for the director’s vision. There were scenes in which the two men were on their motorcycle, and it was obvious they were no longer on the road as the story intended. Instead, they are in some dreamscapes, beautifully lit, that could give the camera access to Colin’s leather-clad touches and the emotions that played across the part of his face exposed by the helmet. Add to this mix the inspired score by Glasgow-based cellist, composer, and producer Oliver Coats. The film’s score is available with the film’s release. The cinematography and score elevate a story that could, in the wrong hands, have just been a cliché for a porno flick.
All that being said, you know I like the film, but I do have to point out the huge misstep and failure the writer-director made. I am talking about information, safety, and consent, which are the rules that govern people in the BDSM community. At no point in the film is Colin ever educated about safe words or the submissive’s power in the situation. Or even why he is being asked to do the things he is doing. They did not have to make a big deal of it, but by glossing over some core principles of BDSM, he has done the community a disservice. Which, given the director’s decision to tell this story at all and to bring to light the real romance behind the leather, was a bit distracting to the film’s overall plot.
I give Pillion 4 stars. I would have given it 5 stars, but, as I said in my review, they really missed an opportunity to show the full structure of that kind of lifestyle. It’s a sexy looking film with a super-hot lead that proves that even BDSM can have a heart.
Directed by: Harry Lighton
Written by: Harry Lighton, Adam Mars-Jones
Rated: NC-17 for festivals and now pending an R for theatrical release
Running Time: 1hr 46min
Psychological Romance Drama/ Dark Comedy
Release: wider theatrical release February 20th
Starring: Harry Melling, Alexander Skargård, Douglas Hodge, Lesley Sharp
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.