Cinema enthusiasts are set for a cinematic feast this weekend as the ‘hottest romance in decades’ featuring a Harry Potter alum has finally arrived.
The directorial premiere of British filmmaker Harry Lighton, Pillion charts an unexpected romance between shy singer Colin and ‘impossibley handsome’ motorcyclist Ray.
Colin meets Ray one night at their local pub, sparking a passionate love story grounded in the duo’s BDSM relationship dynamics.
The synopsis reveals: “A timid man is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive.”
Despite focusing on a sensual subject matter, the production also explores tender themes including personal growth and self-acceptance, whilst questioning viewers’ perceptions of conventional romantic partnerships, reports the Mirror.
The film draws from writer and cinema critic Adam Mars-Jones’ 2020 novel Box Hill, which similarly examines gay identity.
Whilst director Lighton might be a fresh face for audiences, his lead stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård are no strangers to our screens.
Melling, portraying Colin, rose to prominence through the Harry Potter series as Dudley Dursley and has subsequently secured parts in productions including Netflix‘s The Queen’s Gambit and BBC Two’s Wolf Hall – amongst others.
Skarsgård, meanwhile, recently headlined Apple TV’s science-fiction series Murderbot. In Pillion, he plays Melling’s dominant partner, Ray.
After its debut at Cannes Film Festival this spring, the drama immediately captivated critics. It currently holds an impressive 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, based on 45 reviews.
Whilst this score may decline as additional audiences watch it, initial critiques indicate that Pillion is a real hit with viewers.
The Rotten Tomatoes critics’ consensus declares: “A remarkable directorial debut by Harry Lighton, Pillion is an unconventional romance that soars thanks to its non-judgmental perspective and knockout performances.”
Meanwhile, another reviewer has branded it the “hottest master-servant romance we’ve been served in decades.”
Additionally, IndieWire reviewed: “Ultimately a deeply moving love story, one where we become the submissives to Lighton’s strange, beautiful, and sexy vision. It also never hurts to be anchored by two actors who are totally game and committed to that vision.”
General cinema-goers on Letterboxd have similarly shared positive reviews.
One raved: “Harry Melling is delightful and Alexander Skarsgård delivers a reserved but poignant performance I’ll be thinking about for a long time.”
Whilst another gushed: “Perfect film, many many many many many tears.”
Pillion is in cinemas now
