A directionless man is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive.

‘Pillion’ is a film about a shy young gay man, played by Harry Melling, who enters into a BDSM relationship with a handsome biker, played by Alexander Skarsgård. It begins in a village pub where Colin (Melling) is singing as part of a barber shop quartet, when a mysterious stranger (Skarsgård) slips him a note initiating a meetup for the next day, which just so happens to be Christmas Day. Colin is inexperienced but curious, and goes along where he learns that the mysterious biker is called Ray, and after an initial awkward encounter, he finds himself drawn into Ray’s world and introduced into a BDSM relationship.

As a first film from director Harry Lighton, ‘Pillion’ is a confident debut. Lighton doesn’t shy away from the story’s erotic and sadomasochistic elements (and I believe some material was cut to avoid issues on release), but he also doesn’t overplay it. The relationship between Colin and Ray is treated plainly, and for all it is unconventional in nature, it hits the same beats that any couple will go through as they learn more about each other and in turn, what they like themselves. This lack of judgment, other than from Colin’s mother (an excellent Lesley Sharp), is a strong point of Lighton’s film.

Performances are also a major strength. Melling captures Colin’s uncertainty, longing, and vulnerability in a subdued, believable way, but it is Skarsgård who has the more interesting role to play perhaps. It’s never really clear what is going on in Ray’s head, and I went back and forth on whether he was a prick or not – perhaps my lack of understanding of this type of relationship played a part. Initially he comes across as domineering and emotionally vacant, but as the narrative progresses and their relationship evolves, we learn that he isn’t quite as one-dimensional as first thought. Ultimately, whatever its unusual nature, their relationship feels real and human and the best parts of ‘Pillion’ are when it digs into Colin and Ray’s genuine emotions.

Overall, ‘Pillion‘ is an interesting, thoughtful watch. It’s bold, unorthodox, and grounded enough to make you think twice about how relationships can be defined, with strong performances and impressive direction from debutant Lighton that marks him out as a real talent.

Rating: 3/5

Directed By: Harry Lighton

Starring: Harry Melling, Alexander Skarsgård, Douglas Hodge, Lesley Sharp, Jake Shears and Anthony Welsh

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt32321317/