In a fresh twist for indie cinema, the trailer for Pillion, the upcoming British romantic comedy, dropped this week, spotlighting Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling in a bold, leather-clad love story that's already turning heads. Directed by newcomer Harry Lighton in his feature debut, the film adapts Adam Mars-Jones's 2020 novel Box Hill, plunging viewers into the gritty world of a gay biker subculture. Melling plays Colin, a shy young man living with his ailing mother, who gets swept up by Skarsgård's commanding Ray, the enigmatic leader of a motorcycle gang. What starts as a chance encounter evolves into a intense BDSM dynamic, blending humor, heart, and explicit tension.
The movie made waves at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival back in May, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section where it snagged the Best Screenplay award and the quirky Palm Dog prize for its canine sidekick. It also earned nominations for the Caméra d'Or and Queer Palm, signaling strong festival acclaim. Critics have praised its unflinching dive into power play and vulnerability—early reviews boast a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes—though some whisper it's as shocking as it is sincere. Skarsgård, fresh off Succession and The Northman, brings his signature brooding intensity, while Melling, once Harry Potter's Dudley Dursley, continues his reinvention with roles in The Pale Blue Eye and beyond.
However, production whispers reveal the film's edgier side: Skarsgård and Melling shot even more graphic sex scenes than what's in the final cut, dialing back for broader appeal without losing its raw punch. A24 snapped up U.S. rights earlier this year, promising a stateside push, while Picturehouse handles the UK theatrical rollout on November 28. The trailer, cheekily scored to Peggy March's "I Will Follow Him," teases wrestling in spandex and a butt-plug shopping trip, hinting at the raucous yet moving exploration of submission and desire that defines the picture.
Indeed, Pillion arrives at a moment when queer stories are pushing boundaries harder than ever. Moreover, with its mix of comedy and kink, it challenges viewers to rethink romance's rougher edges. Yet one can't help but wonder how mainstream audiences will ride along with such an unapologetic tale.