Pillion (2025)

Beneath the leather and throbbing engines of this BDSM biker romance is an endearing story of love and identity.

Colin (Harry Melling) is wrenched from his oppressively cosy middle-class existence when he falls for rough trade road dog Ray (The Northman’s Alexander Skarsgård) and is introduced to his alternative lifestyle – one that demands total submission.

The film sings in its remarkable design that blends bland British interiors with hyper-masculine biker fetishism – think Tom of Finland on Eastenders.

Through all the outré eroticism and humour, the warmth of Melling’s performance binds the film to its central journey: finding yourself through love and loss. Skarsgård plays his controlling biker with a wonderfully dry inscrutability, while Lesley Sharp and Douglas Hodge give Colin’s parents a heart-wrenching sensitivity and sincerity. Yield to Pillion’s unique charms and be rewarded with a love story that dazzles and devastates. George Earwicker

UK/Ireland, 2025. Director Harry Lighton. Screenplay by Harry Lighton from the 2020 novel Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones. With Alexander Skarsgård, Harry Melling, Lesley Sharp, Douglas Hodge. 107 mins. 18. Content advice: contains scenes of strong sex and nudity.

Q&A with Pillion’s production designer, Francesca Massariol.

Presented in association with Jurassic Pride.

Screening sponsored by David and Frances Balcombe.

Screening at BAC
£7.50/£6.50/£5
25-and-under £3
10% off for BAC supporters

BFI programme notes

381157