When content cheeseball Colin (Harry Melling of Harry Potter fame) meets stoic motorcyclist Ray (Infinity Pool’s Alexander Skarsgard) at a pub, it’s almost love at first sight. Both men are out and proud, but they perceive their budding relationship differently. Colin, having previous difficulty finding a partner, is immediately charmed by Ray. Ray, on the other hand, stages Colin as his submissive. This dynamic carries over to their more intimate moments. Colin is quick to understand Ray’s feelings and, gradually, warms up to the “rules” they have. But, Colin can’t ignore his desires for a balanced romance.

Pillion is an envelope-pushing, sweet-and-sour dark comedy that, surprisingly, is a rom-com at its core. With this fantastic feature-length debut, writer/director Harry Lighton shows audiences that, no matter how unconventional a romance may appear to be, the longing to be wanted will always steer our decisions. This is why Colin’s decisions to stand up to Ray seem so involuntary compared to his meek behaviour earlier into their relationship – these concerns come from the soul and they break Colin’s heart whenever Ray’s machismo halts any progress. For these sensitive topics to be presented against the backdrop of erotic sadomasochism role-play is where Pillion finds its humour and heart. This will surely be one of the best films of the year.

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