🏍️Pillion – Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling Ignite a Bold Romance in Harry Lighton’s Directorial Debut

"Love doesn’t always arrive in the shape we expect — sometimes it rides in on two wheels."

From the pages of Adam Mars-Jones’ acclaimed novel Box Hill to the spotlight of the Cannes Film Festival, Pillion emerges as one of the boldest romantic comedies of 2025. Written and directed by Harry Lighton in his stunning feature debut, the film stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård in a daring love story set against the roar of engines and the raw vulnerability of power, intimacy, and submission.

Premiering in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes on May 18, 2025, Pillion not only won the Best Screenplay prize but also the coveted Palm Dog Award, instantly marking it as one of the most talked-about films of the festival. Theatrical release arrives in the United Kingdom on November 28, 2025, distributed by Picturehouse.

💔 Plot – Love, Power, and the Rules of Desire

At the heart of Pillion lies Colin (Harry Melling), a shy young gay man living with his parents, including his terminally ill mother. When he crosses paths with Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), the rugged, magnetic leader of a biker gang, his life takes a turn into dangerous, intoxicating territory.

Ray initiates Colin into a BDSM relationship, where Colin becomes his submissive partner — cooking, cleaning, and even sleeping on the floor as acts of devotion. What begins as obedience soon evolves into something far more complex, as Colin yearns for love beyond rules and rituals.

From tense family confrontations to tender moments of vulnerability — like the first night Colin is invited into Ray’s bed — the film explores the contradictions of love, desire, and the blurred line between control and care.

The emotional core arrives when Colin breaks free, steals Ray’s bike, and forces their bond into uncharted territory — leading to one of the most poignant scenes in the film: a day spent together like an ordinary couple. For the first time, Ray lets his guard down, revealing a softness that lingers long after the engines' quiet.

"In love, submission can feel like freedom… until it doesn’t."

🎬 Performances – A Duo of Fire and Fragility

• Harry Melling (The Queen’s Gambit, Harry Potter) delivers a heartbreaking performance as Colin, capturing both the innocence of a boy in love and the pain of a man discovering boundaries.

• Alexander Skarsgård (Big Little Lies, The Northman) turns in one of his most layered roles yet — a charismatic biker whose dominance hides vulnerability, humor, and a surprising tenderness.

Their chemistry is explosive yet delicate, creating a romance that feels as dangerous as it is deeply human.

Supporting cast includes Douglas Hodge, Lesley Sharp, Jake Shears, and Anthony Welsh, who enrich the film’s tapestry of voices and perspectives.

🏆 Festival Triumphs – Cannes 2025

At the Cannes Film Festival, Pillion became an instant sensation:

• 🏅 Best Screenplay – Un Certain Regard

• 🐕 Palm Dog Award

• 🎥 Nominations: Caméra d’Or & Queer Palm

Critics praised the film for its emotional honesty, sharp dialogue, and fearless exploration of queer love through humor, pain, and passion.

📺 Release Details

• World Premiere: 18 May 2025 (Cannes)

• UK Theatrical Release: 28 November 2025 (Picturehouse)

• Runtime: 107 minutes

• Language: English

• Genre: Romantic Comedy | Drama | LGBTQ+

🌌 Conclusion – A Ride Through Love’s Wild Roads

Pillion is not a conventional love story. It’s messy, intimate, funny, and raw — just like real relationships. By adapting Box Hill, Harry Lighton has crafted a debut that speaks to the complexities of desire and the courage to set one’s own rules in love.

With Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling delivering powerhouse performances, Pillion is bound to resonate far beyond its biker bars and bedrooms — it’s about finding freedom, even when bound by chains.

"Some romances roar like engines. Others whisper like promises. Pillion is both."

🏍️✨ Catch Pillion in UK cinemas from November 28, 2025.