"Pillion" is hitting the big screen—a provocative gay romance starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling

Released worldwide One of the most talked about films last year - "Pillion" (translated as "Back seat"). The debut work of British director Harry Lighton, which received a 100% rating from film critics on Rotten Tomatoes, tells a story of love and submission in the scenery of a London suburb. We tell you why this film is called a "house-com" and why it has caused fierce controversy among BDSM experts.

What is this film about?

The plot centers on Colin (Harry Melling), a shy parking inspector who lives with his parents and sings in a barbershop quartet. His life changes radically after meeting Ray (Alexander Skarsgård) in a pub, a masculine biker in a leather suit who seems to Colin to be a "Nordic god."

Their relationship begins with a note at a bar and a Christmas date at a Primark store, where Ray makes Colin lick his shoes. From that moment on, Colin tries on the role of a submissive ("sub"), discovering what Ray calls a "tendency to loyalty". Gradually, Colin completely subordinates his life to the rules of his partner: he shaves his head, wears a steel chain with a lock around his neck, sleeps on the floor by Ray's bed and cooks for him, occupying a place in the hierarchy of the house somewhere below the dog and Ray's favorite motorcycle.

"House-Com" with British humor

Reference. In the context of the film "Pillion" and the theme of BDSM, the "house" (short for "dominant") is a partner who occupies a leading, controlling position in the relationship.

Critics have already dubbed the picture "house-com" (from "dominant comedy") and "BDSM version of Wallace and Gromit". There is little dialogue in the film, and harsh everyday scenes coexist with typically British imperturbable humor. For example, Colin's parents not only do not object to his new hobbies, but also happily give him his father's old leather jacket for the first date.

One of the most memorable moments of the film was the scene of the erotic struggle of the characters to Tiffany's pop hit "I Think We're Alone Now". Despite the explicit and harsh nature of some scenes, many critics call "Pillion" one of the most tender and touching love stories of the year.

Why did the film cause controversy?

Despite rave reviews (the film has already won awards at the Gotham Awards and the British Independent Film Awards), Pillion was criticized by some viewers and experts. The main complaints concern the depiction of BDSM practices:

Experts note that the film completely lacks the scene of discussing boundaries and consent, which is mandatory in real BDSM relationships. Because of this, the dynamics of the characters do not look like a conscious game, but like the use of a vulnerable person in a state of depression or social anxiety.

Some found the film's positioning as a "romantic comedy" misleading, calling the characters' relationships "depressive" and "abusive."

There are opinions that Ray behaves not like a "typical house", but like a person who manipulates a partner.

What do the creators say?

Director Harry Lighton claims that he did not seek to create a "standard" movie about the BDSM community. He was interested in "intricate stories" that can look like both a rosy dream and its complete opposite.

Actor Harry Melling, known for his role as Dudley Dursley in Harry Potter, emphasizes that the moral "gray zone" was intentionally laid into the film. According to him, the viewer must decide for themselves whether Ray's behavior is inappropriate or there is something more behind it.

Why is this important for cinema?

Produced by A24, BBC Film and the BFI, "Pillion" has become a notable event for queer cinema. A few years ago, such a radical project would hardly have left niche festivals, but in 2025-2026 it received a wide advertising campaign and nominations for the BAFTA Award. The film not only explores the theme of sexual identity through pain and submission, but also makes the audience wonder what a "healthy relationship" really looks like.