Directed by: Harry Lighton
Written by: Harry Lighton, based on Adam Mars-Jones’ novella
Starring: Alexander Skarsgard, Harry Melling, Douglas Hodge, and Lesley Sharp
Runtime: 106 minutes
‘Pillion’ offers an earnest, candid, and thoughtful story, whether it’s a ‘dom-com,’ rom-com, romantic drama, or a combination of all three
“It’s a classic dom-com.” – Alexander Skarsgard on “The Graham Norton Show” (2007 – Present)
Director/writer Harry Lighton’s “Pillion” is a romantic drama and romantic comedy. Still, it’s not quite like other modern-day classic rom-coms from the UK, like “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994), “Notting Hill” (1999), or “Bridget Jones’ Diary” (2001).
For the record, not every Gen X-celebrated UK rom-com absolutely needs to cast Hugh Grant, but it can’t hurt, right?
“Love Actually” (2003), anyone?
No, Hugh does not actually star in Lighton’s film. Instead, Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgard are perfectly cast in “Pillion”.
(For the record, the definition of a pillion is a motorcycle’s passenger seat.)
It’s a tale – based on Adam Mars-Jones’ 2020 novella – about a lonely, shy parking ticket officer and part-time barbershop quartet singer named Colin (Melling), who attempts to find love with Ray (Skarsgard), a brooding, mysterious motorcycle enthusiast.
Colin, however, finds himself wrapped in a BDSM arrangement with Ray, and our introverted lead becomes a submissive partner to Ray’s dominant wishes.
Melling’s and Skarsgard’s vastly different heights, 5’9” and 6’4”, respectively, symbolize the imbalance (or balance, depending on one’s perspective) of power in Colin and Ray’s relationship. Lighton explores this arrangement over a 106-minute runtime, as the characters - polar opposites in personas, looks, and builds – engage in carnal satisfactions.
The co-leads’ physical engagements are frankly explored, which could raise anxiety for some conventional movie audiences, but Ray’s demands don’t fall into rated X territory or out of bounds with your local cineplex. Still, your closest family member or BFF who still insists that the diner scene in “When Harry Met Sally…” (1989) crossed the line will experience an awkward trip to the movies with “Pillion” during a collection of, perhaps, 20-25 on-screen minutes.
Lighton, however, frequently lightens the mood with humor sprinkled here and there, prompting tender smiles and genuine laugh-out-loud moments.
For instance, just before the fellas’ indelicate first encounter in an alley on Christmas Day (and yes, “Pillion” is a Christmas movie), we see them individually stroll down the street with their respective dogs, and – in a playful sight gag - their pooches humorously match each man.
In another comical first-act moment, Ray sits on the couch and slaps his hand beside him, with one assuming the gesture was intended for his submissive human companion. No, his trusty canine jumps on the sofa before Colin can act.
Ray’s disregard for Colin’s feelings is a constant surprise, as he treats the young upstart like a servant with virtually zero privileges, including the cooking and sleeping arrangements.
Lighton’s compelling screenplay hooks the audience through the curiosity of Colin and Ray’s relationship and the unknown direction that it could take. The romantically inexperienced Colin is a willing participant, but how long can this understanding with Ray continue when affection can confuse boundaries?
Melling owns – and successfully embraces - the more difficult assignment by carrying Colin’s naivety but also hopeful growth as he becomes more knowledgeable about the everyday nuance of connection – the joys and frustrations - with a partner, even with lopsided rules. Lighton, at times, keeps the camera focused on our barbershop quartet singer’s face, as Colin experiences bliss and disappointment.
Lighton delicately cares for this relationship, as the progression of intimacy impacts Colin and his standing with Ray, a man who is both an irresistible force and an immovable object.
Meanwhile, Skarsgard as Ray stands tall and strong, keeping an air of secrecy close to his chest, but one with actual names tattooed on it.
What drives Ray? How does he earn a living? His minimalist flat reflects him, and Ray seems emotionally absent. The hope is that Colin and the audience will gather some hints of insight into the man’s motivations, vulnerabilities, and support systems.
Thankfully, the film occasionally reaches out to Colin’s backing in the form of his loving parents, Pete and Peggy, agreeably played by Douglas Hodge and Lesley Sharp. They offer warm encouragement, and Peggy adds another facet, protection, as she questions her son’s unwavering pact.
Well, Lighton makes a sincere pact with audiences, as “Pillion” offers an earnest, candid, and thoughtful story, whether it’s a “dom-com,” rom-com, romantic drama, or a combination of all three.
Jeff’s ranking
3/4 stars
