Pillion Movie Review

​This is essential viewing for the passion it shows and for its truth. This might be about a love you feel uncomfortable with at times, but it’s love to them, and that’s all that counts. So, it isn’t a traditional love story, but it’s intense and loving, nonetheless.

In this film, writer/director Harry Lighton’s first feature, we observe the sexuality and relationship between BDSM partners. BDSM stands for Bondage and Discipline, and Domination and Submission, and “Sadism and Masochism.” It’s said to have formed in the early 18th century and is still going strong today. It’s a fascinating subject for film, as seen in past films such as “The Secretary,” “Nymphomaniac,” and “The Story of O.” “Pillion” is up there with the best of them. The subject is handled beautifully, and it’s given care.

One of the main characters is Ray, played by Alexander Skarsgård. He’s the dominant, excited to meet a new sub, Colin, played by Harry Melling. Melling started his film career playing Dudley Dursley is the “Harry Potter” franchise. He was great then, and he’s fabulous now, Dudley, he is not. He was good in the role, but you won’t even see that character. Colin wants nothing more than to please Ray. He’s a young gay man who doesn’t think very highly of himself, shocked at Ray taking notice of him. There may be moments when you feel bad for him, seeing how deeply he’s being taken advantage of, but he’s also clearly loved. Ray doesn’t show love the way others do… can he maybe learn to before he loses what he has? Colin likes to do as he’s told, Ray gets off being the boss. It’s a win-win… at times. Watching them wrestle is worth the price of admission.

Colin will learn his place quickly if he wants to stay in Ray’s life. He sleeps on a rug at the foot of the bed. He isn’t debasing himself; he’s showing his man that he understands his assignment and will be a good boy. That said, Colin’s parents aren’t too crazy about how he’s treated. They’re learning the boundaries of Colin’s new life after telling Ray they don’t like how he speaks to Colin, only to be met with a comment that tells them their opinion isn’t welcome.

Ray has a group of friends he spends time with. They’re all like him and have their sub come with them when they go off for a weekend trip. Chains with locks are around the submissives’ necks. You suddenly notice that Colin has one and around Ray’s neck is a key. This is a big step. It means a certain step has been taken. There’s a newness in the air, both good and bad. I want to say more, but will instead say that Melling brings a quiet dignity to the role. A role you absolutely must see. And with Skarsgård, his Ray speaks volumes through restraint. He gives an understated performance that will hold up this time next year.