Pillion: Coming-of-Age Dom-Com that's shaking up the genre
FILM REVIEW
Pillion (2026)
4.5 out of 5 stars
Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
Pillion (2026)
4.5 out of 5 stars
Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
Pillion is an erotic dramedy that I may even categorize as a coming-of-age film. This movie finds Harry Potter star Harry Melling taking on the bold and adventurous role of Colin. We see this parking enforcement officer turned barbershop quartet performer navigate his relationship in an unapologetic, erotic, and charming way. Spoiler alert: this film will turn you upside on expectations, preconceptions, and how you feel after you watch it.
The film is based on the 2020 novel Box Hill, and written and directed by Harry Lighton. This movie takes a few twists and turns from the book, including moving it from the 1970’s to present day and shortening Ray and Colin’s relationship timeline from six years to a few months. The changes definitely have an effect on some of the supporting characters like Colin’s coworkers and parents.
Let’s get to the plot!
The film starts off around the holiday season, with a major moment happening during the evening of Christmas Day. Ray (Alexander Skarsgard), the mysterious biker, is at the center of Colin’s unexpected journey. Early on, we see Ray proposition Colin at the pub during one of his quartet holiday performances. Colin is an introverted single man that lives with his parents in suburban London and decides to depart his family celebration on Christmas Day to meet up with Ray for an unexpected meetup. This is not the Hallmark movie moment that audiences may think is about to happen. Let’s just say 50 Shades of Gray entered the chat and stays for the remainder of the film.
Despite a successful rendezvous, the night ends with Ray and Colin parting ways, with audiences expecting that they will never see each other again.
The movie is fully of funny moments, and Colin’s parents often steal the scenes, especially their investment in Colin’s dating life. This dynamic is a rare treat for setting this film in the present day. Life then goes on for Colin and Ray, but then they get reconnected months later during another hilarious moment in the film.
There is no warming up to type of relationship in the film and for audiences. Before we know it, Colin is cooking, cleaning, shopping, and even sleeping on the floor, all while taking Ray’s lead on all things in and out of the bedroom. Throughout the film, we see Colin navigate his way through this relationship, but then also struggle with his own internal needs to find his own happiness. Colin’s relationship with his parents is also a highlight in this film, as we see their willingness to support Colin in his dating experiences. Colin is also way more open with his parents than I assume 99.9 of people are on this topic.
We also get to see the bond the biker gang has together that includes Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears and the inner dynamics. As Colin and Ray spend more time together, Colin eventually take on a more active role in the community, including a new aesthetic.
The film takes its direction from the novel, but also liberties on the characters and what their final fates are in this book. What really sticks with me from this film is that these two main characters are who they are and are unapologetic for their desires, although audiences may not fully understand or root for their motives at all times.
The film asks the broader themes of being true to one’s self, self identity and worth, the people we meet that change the trajectory of our lives. Everything from birthday celebrations to parental approval to meeting new friends to assimilating into a partner's life, are all touched upon. One thing for certain is that the chemistry between Skarsgard and Melling is undeniable both in tender and risque moments. What makes this film a win is Harry Lighton’s balance of the risque nature of this relationship in a non-judgemental way to allow audiences feel all the emotions and understand the decisions that the main characters are making. The film could pave the way for a new genre of movies, and I look forward to the next project from Harry Lighton.
The film is based on the 2020 novel Box Hill, and written and directed by Harry Lighton. This movie takes a few twists and turns from the book, including moving it from the 1970’s to present day and shortening Ray and Colin’s relationship timeline from six years to a few months. The changes definitely have an effect on some of the supporting characters like Colin’s coworkers and parents.
Let’s get to the plot!
The film starts off around the holiday season, with a major moment happening during the evening of Christmas Day. Ray (Alexander Skarsgard), the mysterious biker, is at the center of Colin’s unexpected journey. Early on, we see Ray proposition Colin at the pub during one of his quartet holiday performances. Colin is an introverted single man that lives with his parents in suburban London and decides to depart his family celebration on Christmas Day to meet up with Ray for an unexpected meetup. This is not the Hallmark movie moment that audiences may think is about to happen. Let’s just say 50 Shades of Gray entered the chat and stays for the remainder of the film.
Despite a successful rendezvous, the night ends with Ray and Colin parting ways, with audiences expecting that they will never see each other again.
The movie is fully of funny moments, and Colin’s parents often steal the scenes, especially their investment in Colin’s dating life. This dynamic is a rare treat for setting this film in the present day. Life then goes on for Colin and Ray, but then they get reconnected months later during another hilarious moment in the film.
There is no warming up to type of relationship in the film and for audiences. Before we know it, Colin is cooking, cleaning, shopping, and even sleeping on the floor, all while taking Ray’s lead on all things in and out of the bedroom. Throughout the film, we see Colin navigate his way through this relationship, but then also struggle with his own internal needs to find his own happiness. Colin’s relationship with his parents is also a highlight in this film, as we see their willingness to support Colin in his dating experiences. Colin is also way more open with his parents than I assume 99.9 of people are on this topic.
We also get to see the bond the biker gang has together that includes Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears and the inner dynamics. As Colin and Ray spend more time together, Colin eventually take on a more active role in the community, including a new aesthetic.
The film takes its direction from the novel, but also liberties on the characters and what their final fates are in this book. What really sticks with me from this film is that these two main characters are who they are and are unapologetic for their desires, although audiences may not fully understand or root for their motives at all times.
The film asks the broader themes of being true to one’s self, self identity and worth, the people we meet that change the trajectory of our lives. Everything from birthday celebrations to parental approval to meeting new friends to assimilating into a partner's life, are all touched upon. One thing for certain is that the chemistry between Skarsgard and Melling is undeniable both in tender and risque moments. What makes this film a win is Harry Lighton’s balance of the risque nature of this relationship in a non-judgemental way to allow audiences feel all the emotions and understand the decisions that the main characters are making. The film could pave the way for a new genre of movies, and I look forward to the next project from Harry Lighton.
Pillion
opens in limited theaters, February 20 and wider release on February 27
opens in limited theaters, February 20 and wider release on February 27