Pillion — NYFF Review
Source: A24
Harry Lighton’s directorial debut, Pillion, is one of the most thoughtful and tender portraits of a BDSM relationship ever put to screen. Too often, cinematic depictions of BDSM lean on stereotypes—turning dominants into predators, objectifying submissives, or portraying the community as something seedy and dangerous. Pillion rejects those false and harmful clichés. Lighton approaches kink with surprising sincerity, crafting a film that’s erotic, intimate, and deeply romantic without ever slipping into judgment or sensationalism.
Source: A24
Harry Melling stars as Colin, a timid young gay man residing with his father and terminally ill mother. He becomes infatuated with Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), the older, impossibly handsome, and enigmatic leader of a biker gang. Ray gradually initiates Colin into a BDSM relationship. Ray is discreet and rarely verbalizes his feelings, which means both actors do a remarkable amount of heavy lifting through facial expressions and body language. Neither character ever feels reduced to a cliché. Even when Ray maintains an austere exterior, Skarsgård’s eyes hint at unspoken emotions brewing beneath the surface.
Source: A24
Colin’s journey is especially compelling because he’s neither an entirely naïve blank slate nor the quintessential submissive. His uncertainty, desires, and moments of self-doubt make him feel achingly real. Melling brings a quiet vulnerability to the role, capturing the tentative thrill of someone discovering new parts of themselves while navigating emotional boundaries.
What makes Lighton’s film shine is the way it embraces the clumsiness and awkwardness of sex. Rather than portray sex as some choreographed routine, the film leans into the hesitations, mistakes, and moments of unintentional humor. This lends the story an admirable sense of authenticity. It truly feels as though we’re witnessing Colin discover himself and his sexuality as his bond with Ray deepens. Lighton also portrays sex and kink without judgment, allowing viewers to decide for themselves whether a moment feels erotic, unsettling, or something in between.
Harry Lighton and Alexander Skarsgård at the New York Film Festival for Pillion
Much like the character of Ray, beneath Pillion’s seductive exterior lies unexpected emotional depth. The film is earnest, intimate, and sweet. It captures both the elation of new romance and the inevitable challenges that accompany it. Lighton demonstrates that romantic connections don’t always conform to conventional expectations. Love doesn’t always happen at first sight or arrive neatly packaged. Sometimes relationships take time to naturally develop, and sometimes the people who help us discover who we are aren’t the ones who stay. The narrative explores how formative relationships shape personal desires, boundaries, and identity. As bittersweet as they may be, these transformative, fleeting connections offer profound insight and growth.
Harry Lighton and Alexander Skarsgård at the New York Film Festival for Pillion
Through nuanced performances, sensitive direction, and a refreshingly nonjudgmental portrayal of BDSM, Pillion establishes Harry Lighton as a bold new voice in queer cinema. The film treats kink not as spectacle, but as a lens for exploring intimacy, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Pillion is a groundbreaking debut that’s sexy and intimate, yet surprisingly funny and romantic.
Pillion had its New York premiere at the New York Film Festival on October 4, 2025.
