Acclaimed British romantic dramedy “Pillion,” starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård, is now available for home viewing.
Written and directed by Harry Lighton in his directorial debut, this film follows shy traffic warden Colin (played by Melling) as he embarks on a BDSM relationship with the enigmatic biker Ray (Skarsgård). Premiering at Cannes last year, “Pillion” received strong acclaim, currently boasting a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. After a successful cinema run in November 2025, the film is now accessible for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV.
Labelled a ‘dom-com,’ Lighton’s film presents a candid and non-judgmental exploration of dominant-submissive dynamics while also challenging conventional ideas of masculinity in queer relationships. It serves as a coming-of-age journey for the introverted protagonist, Colin.
Melling and Skarsgård’s electrifying chemistry shines through both the film’s explicit and tender moments, with their committed performances significantly enhancing the already engaging narrative. Critics have described “Pillion” as a “future classic,” with Rolling Stone UK praising the heartwarming bond between Colin and his somewhat clueless but supportive parents, drawing parallels to films like “Pride” where an older mining community embraced LGBTQ+ activists.
Based on the 2020 novel “Box Hill” by Adam Mars-Jones, “Pillion” artfully balances scorching, hyper-erotic encounters with an overall feel-good narrative, as noted by Sight & Sound. To authentically depict biking culture, Lighton consulted members of the Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club (GBMCC), who also made appearances in the film. Lighton and Melling spent time with the bikers to learn about the nuances of bootlick and pillion rides. Skarsgård, who also took on the role of executive producer, revealed that he didn’t create a backstory for Ray, opting instead to embody a mysterious and taciturn dom persona. As he remarked, “The material lent itself to just showing up and doing it.”
“Pillion” is currently available for rent and purchase at digital retailers, allowing audiences to experience this heartwarming and provocative tale from the comfort of their homes.