by Henry Pham
Based on the 2020 novel titled Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones, Pillion is a black romantic comedy film that focuses on Colin, a timid gay man who meets Ray, a confident leader of the biker gang. As the two form a relationship with each other, it leads to a challenge to Colin’s mundane existence and prompts personal growth through their unconventional dynamic.
Harry Lighton makes his feature directorial debut, with Oscar nominees Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe (the producing duo of Poor Things and Bugonia) producing. His direction balances intensity, featuring explicit sex scenes that, while bold, serve the narrative by exploring LGBTQ+ representation and intimacy. Some sequences are intentionally discomforting and may not appeal to all viewers. However, the film’s humor, tenderness, and keen observation of human relationships prevent it from becoming overly heavy. One of the film’s weaknesses is the pacing despite the remarkable cinematography. The middle parts of the film and the third act are the most engaging scenes to watch, while the screenplay is filled with adult jokes, humor, and laugh-out loud moments that will warmly tickle your nerves.
Harry Melling, known for his role as Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter film series, plays Colin, an introverted gay man living with his parents in London and working as a parking attendant while singing in a barbershop quartet. He meets Ray, played by Golden Globe winner Alexander Skarsgård (HBO’s Big Little Lies), a charismatic member of a local biker gang. Melling delivers a nuanced performance, blending warmth, humor, and sincerity. Skarsgård is attractive, commanding, and intimidating, yet reveals moments of vulnerability in the film’s second half. Their chemistry is authentic and unpredictable, giving the film a sense of intimacy.
With the incredible acting performances from Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård, Pillionmarks a sensational debut for filmmaker Harry Lighton. It is a cute watch, but not an easy film. Melling and Skarsgård did their work pretty well, and they deserve some recognition. Though I must admit, it may not be a great movie for everyone, it is a good romantic comedy for older boys, teens, and adults. It’s a film where strange forms of love can take place. I can see why many film critics enjoyed this piece, as it received a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I’m not a Rotten Tomatoes film critic, but I believe this film is shy of winning my heart. It is emotional, tear-jerking, and profoundly confusing, but that’s what makes this film so compelling. If you want to watch this, you really should. Pillion runs about 107 minutes long.
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