Pillion
February 16th, 2026
MOVIE: PILLION
STARRING: HENRY MELLING, ALEXANDER SKARSGÅRD, DOUGLAS HODGE, LESLEY SHARP
DIRECTED BY: HARRY LIGHTON
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 4 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: R
RUN TIME: 106 MINUTES
It’s films like Pillion that remind us what cinema can truly be: a giant empathy machine, a vessel that allows us to step into someone else’s shoes and experience life from a completely different perspective. While I was already somewhat familiar with the leather and biker segment of the LGBTQ+ community- particularly its dominant/submissive dynamics and fetish subculture- director Harry Lighton’s feature debut reveals a deeper, more tender side of that world. Anchored by two stellar lead performances and a deeply heartwarming story, Pillion is the romantic gem of 2026.
The film stars Harry Melling, best known for his role in the Harry Potter series, delivering what may be the finest performance of his career. He plays Colin, a shy meter reader living in a small town outside London with his father (Douglas Hodge) while caring for his mother, Peggy (Lesley Sharp), as she battles cancer. His parents’ relationship is tender and lived-in; his mother nudges him toward blind dates, and Colin sings in a barbershop quartet with his father in his spare time. Yet Colin remains withdrawn, fearful of humiliation and hesitant to step beyond his comfort zone- until a tall biker named Ray (Alexander Skarsgård) slips him his number for a consensual encounter behind a bar. From that moment, an unexpected relationship begins- one that introduces Colin to a world he never imagined for himself.
At first glance, one might assume Pillion is purely an erotic drama, perhaps aimed only at audiences familiar with sub/dom culture. If that were the case, the film would feel far more limited. Instead, Lighton crafts a poignant romance about two people from vastly different backgrounds learning to find comfort- not just in each other, but in themselves. Melling’s performance is especially affecting; he imbues Colin with a quiet sadness that makes his gradual transformation deeply rewarding to watch. The screenplay skillfully balances humor and heart, contrasting Colin’s dependency with Ray’s fierce independence. Their relationship becomes a study in yin and yang- two opposing forces that ultimately create harmony.
That’s not to say Pillion shies away from eroticism. The film thoughtfully explores the rigidity of their dynamic as it begins with strict rules: Colin cannot sleep in Ray’s bed. Ray’s dog sits comfortably on the couch while Colin stands to eat the dinner he prepared. Yet as these established structures slowly soften, so too does the emotional distance between them. What emerges is an understanding that feels authentic and mutually empowering. For many viewers, this may be an introduction to sub/dom culture, and Pillion handles its complexities with nuance and grace.
The film holds several surprises, the greatest being that it ranks among the most compelling romantic comedies of the past five years. Skarsgård continues to expand his range, leaning into roles that both acknowledge his striking presence and challenge it. Melling, once again, proves himself a formidable talent. If this marks the beginning of a creative partnership between actor and director, it’s one to watch closely.
Take the chance. Hop on the bike. Open yourself to a film as tender and surprising as Pillion.
4 STARS
PILLION IS PLAYING IN THEATERS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2026.
Written by: Leo Brady
