A24 is preparing to release one of its most talked-about films from the festival circuit, Pillion, a romantic dramedy that delves into a BDSM relationship within the queer biker subculture.
The film, which received a 7-minute standing ovation at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, is the feature debut of writer/director Harry Lighton and is based on the novella Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones.
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The Synopsis: The story centers on Colin (Harry Melling, known for The Queen’s Gambit), a timid and directionless young man living in suburbia. His life is upended when he meets Ray (Alexander Skarsgård, known for The Northman), an enigmatic, handsome, and dominant leader of a local motorcycle gang.
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The Dynamic: Ray takes Colin on as his live-in submissive. The film offers a frank and surprisingly tender look at their relationship, where Colin must obey Ray’s commands, fulfill domestic duties, and sleep on the floor at the foot of his bed.
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The Theme of Self-Discovery: Critics praise the film for moving past mere shock value, instead using the BDSM dynamic to explore Colin’s journey toward self-discovery, empowerment, and finding a genuine sense of belonging. The film is lauded for its ability to balance the serious subject matter with moments of awkward comedy and genuine emotional warmth.
Pillion is currently scheduled for a UK release in late November 2025, with the US release via A24 expected sometime in 2026.
WATCH THE TRAILER:
