In 2020, author Adam Mars-Jones published his book titled Box Hill. Now, writer and director Harry Lighton has made his feature-film debut with an adaptation of that novel. Pillion tells the story of Colin, a shy, directionless gay man who meets the devilishly handsome biker, Ray. Together they engage in a dominant-submissive relationship that takes Colin on a journey of sexual awakening, devotion, and love.

It’s hard to believe Pillion is Lighton’s first feature film. When he first introduces the audience to Colin, the character could easily be described as pathetic. He’s a gay man still living with his parents who has been unlucky in love and tends to go along with whatever others want. Then he meets Ray. Ray is the opposite of Colin in every way. He’s tall, confident, unbelievably good looking, and he’s always in complete control. Colin is shocked when Ray seems to take an interest in him, even more so when Colin realizes he’s stumbled into a bizarre relationship with this perfect specimen of a man. For many audiences, they will experience this unique kind of relationship for the first time right along with Colin. He’s introduced to a subculture of gay bikers who engage in sexual relationships where one man is the dominant and the other is a submissive. This relationship extends from the duo living together, with the submissive cooking and cleaning, all the way to their sexual lives. It takes Colin on a journey of self-discovery as he learns new things about himself, the types of relationships he wants for himself, and what he needs to be truly happy.

While Pillion might not be the best representation of a BDSM relationship, it still comes across as authentic and non-judgmental. Lighton simply shows the facts of the relationship through Colin’s eyes, never passing judgment on how these men chose to live and love. The perception of whatever happens on screen is determined by Colin’s view of things. Only he knows the limits of what he is willing to do for Ray so it’s ultimately up to Colin, which is counterintuitive to how their dynamic appears to outsiders. This journey Colin embarks on with Ray is uncomfortable, sexy, funny, kinky, and even heart-warming to behold.

Harry Melling (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, The Devil All the Time) delivers a career-high performance as Colin. When Colin is first introduced, it’s easy to feel for him. Melling embodies the shy, reserved, obedient man discovering new things about himself as he falls in love for the first time. His portrayal of Colin especially shines as the character finds his voice, exuding a self-assuredness that breaks through the otherwise submissive persona. Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood, Infinity Pool) plays dominant biker, Ray. Skarsgård doesn’t have many lines throughout the film, but he manages to convey so much of his character simply through a look. Ray is meant to be shrouded in mystery, which makes it even more impressive how much Skarsgård’s facial expressions reveal of the character. This is especially true in the climax of the film as a simple look from Ray will leave audiences in pieces. Melling and Skarsgård are opposites in almost every way, but they are brilliant together on screen. The two have phenomenal chemistry, making it easy to be drawn into their unconventional love story.

There are subtle story elements of Pillion conveyed through the set and costume design. Colin is a warm, open, and caring person. This can even be seen in the design of the home he shares with his parents. It has a warmth and coziness that makes it feel like a home filled with love. Ray’s apartment is quite the opposite. Everything is monochromatic and there are no photos or decorations that speak to who Ray is. The only thing he seems to really love, making up most of his personality, is his motorcycle. He religiously cleans it, makes sure the bike runs well, and takes it out for frequent rides. While Ray’s one true love is his motorcycle, his costume design shows his affection for Colin, even if his actions don’t. After the two establish their relationship, Ray gets Colin a custom-fitted pant and jacket set to wear while riding. While this is a fashion moment that connects the two, it also shows that Ray wants to make sure Colin is safe while they ride, just like when he makes Colin wear a helmet. Another subtle detail are the chains Colin and Ray wear after they establish their dom-sub dynamics. Colin is given a thick, heavy chain worn like a choker with a lock keeping the chain together, almost like a pendant. Ray had a long, thin chain with a ring on it when he and Colin first met, but after the two began their relationship a key was added to the ring. That key goes to the lock Colin wears, showing everyone Colin belongs to Ray. Helping to bring the story and visuals to life is also a beautiful score by Oliver Coates (Aftersun), creating a soundscape that speaks to Colin’s perceptions of the new world he’s being introduced to.

Pillion is a raw, darkly comedic, kinky, and surprisingly charming portrayal of first love and counter-culture. Lighton has made sure people will take notice of his work, giving an unflinching feature-film debut that will leave audiences wanting more. He has adapted Mars-Jones’s novel beautifully, delivering an impartial look into one type of dominant-submissive relationship. Melling is absolutely brilliant in his role, easily endearing the audience to Colin as they’re taken through an emotional rollercoaster while Skarsgård gives a more subdued, but equally evocative performance. Because the film highlights an unconventional relationship not typically shown on screen, the dynamics will undoubtedly polarize audiences. Yet those who aren’t afraid of a bit of kink in their love stories are sure to fall in love. Pillion is in select theaters now and will be available nationwide on February 27th.

OVERALL RATING: 8/10