A pair of killer performances and a lot of respect help Pillion become a hopeful exploration of romance and self-discovery.
Based on the book, Box Hill, by Adam Mars-Jones, Harry Lighton’s feature directorial debut, Pillion, is anything but a direct adaptation. It’s in the present day instead of the 1970s, the protagonist is considerably older instead of freshly 18, and his parents are enthusiastically supportive of his identity instead of being kept in the dark. Unlike some other film adaptations, these changes actually work in the film’s favor, giving it a sense of optimism rather than turning it into pure trauma porn.
Pillion follows Colin (Harry Melling), a shy young man who is a parking enforcer by day, and a barbershop quartet singer by night. He lives with his loving parents, who just want to see him settled down with a nice man. However, that “nice man” turns out to be Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), a stoic motorbiker who is a man of few words, but a lot of—erm— other things. A chance encounter in a bar leads Colin into Ray’s world of BDSM. He licks Ray’s boots, cooks him dinner, and sleeps on his floor without so much as a peep of appreciation from his lover. Instead, he tells Colin to buy a butt plug “because he’s too tight.”
A Dursley develops.
Photo Credit: A24
Melling is most known for his turn as Harry Potter’s spoiled cousin, Dudley Dursley, but like Daniel Radcliffe, Melling has managed to shed the franchise curse and really come into his own as an actor. Colin is thoughtful and kind, and, as Ray puts it, “has an aptitude for devotion.” But he’s also trying to search for what he wants in a relationship, and Melling showcases this curiosity in a non-judgmental light.
Ray is an enigma, with practically no mention of his background. In any other film, this would be frustrating and do the character a disservice, but Skarsgård gives the biker layers of vulnerability and insecurity that gradually begin to seep out. When Colin experiences a tragedy, Ray at first tries to distance himself from it, but soon tries to cheer him up with cheesy jokes about pizza. And throughout this exchange, Skarsgård shows a man surprised that he can get so close to someone.
A lover’s game.
Photo Credit: A24
For those unfamiliar with dom and sub dynamics, Pillion may prove uncomfortable to watch. But rest assured that this isn’t 50 Shades of Grey. It’s clear that Colin and Ray’s relationship is not healthy, and Leighton takes pains to not only show this, but also to show that this isn’t because of the BDSM culture. Ray isn’t the bad guy here; Colin just doesn’t understand what he wants yet.
Leighton makes sure the culture is respected by spending time with members of the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club and even having them serve as advisors and play themselves in the film. By taking the time to research, Leighton pays respect to a niche that pop culture often gets wrong.
The bottom line.
Pillion has been jokingly referred to as a “dom-com,” but there isn’t much “com” in it to justify the name. Regardless, Leighton’s film is an optimistic coming-of-age film about a man discovering his wants and needs in romance.
Pillion is now playing in select theaters. Watch the trailer here.
Images courtesy of A24. Read more articles by Yasmin Kleinbart here.
REVIEW RATING
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Pillion - 8/10
8/10
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