Review: Pillion

Review: A directionless man, Colin (Harry Melling) is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker, Ray (Alexander Skarsgard) takes him on as his submissive.

Alexander Skarsgard in leather? Say no more. I have been wanting to see this film for ages and my local indie theater finally opened it. And while I'm not surprised a film like this didn't get any academy love, I can't believe they let a performance like Harry Melling's just fly under the radar this year. 

Colin is a nice, but awkward guy. His parents are trying to set him up on dates, but he's drawn to Ray. Of course you can't blame him. LOOK at Ray, but Colin gets thrown head first into what it's like to be in a dom/sub life.

I think because I'm not as familiar with that kink, I expected there to be a bit more talk on consent. Maybe that's the point director Harry Lighton was trying to make. Colin can't just go with the flow in a relationship. He too has needs that deserve to be fulfilled and boundaries he needs to set. And even though we in the audience want to scream that at him, he has to figure it out himself. 

Pillion at times is darkly funny and it blends that well with the more dramatic and sad elements of the story.  I especially liked the scenes with Colin and his parents who just want what's best for their son, while at the same time being a bit too meddling in his relationship. I think everyone can relate to that.

Grade: B