Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Pillion is a drama about Colin (Harry Melling), a shy young man who works at a parking garage handing out tickets by day and singing in a barber shop quartet in the evenings. He lives with his parents, Pete (Douglas Hodge) and Peggy (Lesley Sharp), who want to see him meet a man to share his life with.
One night while singing at a pub, he notices a sexy biker, Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), hanging out with some friends. While Colin is at the bar, Ray slips him a note asking him to meet up with him on Christmas night. Although it seems odd, Colin goes. Ray takes him to an alley, where he unzips his fly and has Colin perform oral sex on him. And from there, the two form a BDSM relationship that brings Colin on a journey of self-discovery.
Note: In the USA, there are two versions of Pillion, one rated R and the other Unrated. The unrated version extends some of the sex scenes. You can get both versions on HBO Max.
Some Thoughts:
Since Pillion is told through Colin’s perspective, we only know as much about Ray as Colin does, which is very little. Since Ray shares less than the bare minimum with Colin, their relationship feels anything but romantic. In fact, it seems more like a situation built on desire and need. As a couple, they’re very even different from their partnered friends, who are all part of the BDSM community. We see the other couples interacting and even kissing, which Collin and Ray never do. This is even brought up in a conversation between Colin and another submissive, Kevin (Jake Sheers).
Although Colin’s parents are happy to see him in a relationship, they’re not pleased with the lack of information about Ray. They do meet Ray a couple of times and get to ask him questions, which he sidesteps, but that’s it. Both interactions are awkwardly interesting, and the acting is good enough to make them work. However, aside from those two scenes and a few scattered conversations between Collin and Peggy, his parents don’t get closure. I would have liked to see more of Peggy and Pete’s perspective and how they come to terms–or not–with Ray.
Aside from the lack of depth, the rest of the movie is well done. It’s never dull and has a fine cast of highly competent actors who are able to sell the drama. And although I was hoping for something more intellectually challenging, it’s perfect for those looking to spend a little less than two hours with some mindless enjoyment.
The Final Verdict:
Pillion is an enjoyable bit of drama for those looking to lay back and go for the ride. While there are some sexy moments, it’s not as titillating as the previews promise.