We saw Pillion, and it’s juicy. Starring Harry Melling as the sweetest cinnamon roll and Alexander Skarsgård as a whole new kind of “forced proximity,” this new movie gave Sherin and Jasmine a lot to talk about (and maybe to gag on, um, about). Written and directed by Harry Lighton, we have big thoughts and feelings about this bittersweet “dom com” that’s not quite a rom com but is all about love.
Oh, and we saw it in the best possible setting: a screening with the leather-clad community, which gave the whole experience an extra sense of representation. You could feel the enthusiasm for Pillion‘s authenticity in real time.
“A sensual awakening about how first love can teach us to better love ourselves.” (Sherin Nicole)
Quick detour: our inbox also informed us Apple TV+ is doing a new CAPE FEAR series with Javier Bardem and Amy Adams, along with CCH Pounder and Patrick Wilson. Produced by Spielberg and Scorsese, the first two episodes dropping June 5, 2026. We’re already scared. Okay, back to Pillion.
“Pillion” (pronounced pill-yun) refers to a passenger seat on a motorcycle or bike, and the title makes immediate sense once the story kicks in. Colin (Melling) is gentle, sweet, and still living with his parents—but what’s refreshing is that his family is loving and supportive. No closet trauma here. That choice clears space for the film’s real focus: self-discovery through belonging. (watch or listen to the conversation above with clips)
Colin meets Ray (Skarsgård), who is dominant and looking for a submissive. Colin falls into that dynamic with surprising ease—not because it’s easy, but because it feels like something in him finally has a name. The movie is genuinely funny, but it’s not a rom-com (and “dom-com” doesn’t really fit either). It plays more like a sensual awakening story with a sharp edge.
“a sharp-edged comedy”
The tension comes from the push-pull: Colin opens up and flourishes; Ray needs to be in control, cold, and committed to his boundaries—until Colin starts awakening feelings Ray doesn’t want. Melling brings a lot of vulnerability without losing Colin’s backbone—he’s going to need that—and Skarsgård’s restraint is doing the work of a whole monologue.
Our main knock is that we wanted a little more emotional access to Ray—just a peephole into who he is—because it would’ve made Colin’s journey land harder. We also wouldn’t have minded a bit more time watching Colin build connections within the broader leather community outside of Ray.
Also: yes, the film contains a prosthetic moment that will make you sit up. You’ll know it when it happens.Last looks: Pillion is sharp, funny, specific, and surprisingly relatable, with a bittersweet first-love core and a strong sense of community authenticity. It hits theaters February 6, and it absolutely feels like an A24 win.
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Sherin’s Rating: B
Level of Enthusiasm: 80%
Jasmine’s Rating: B+
Level of Enthusiasm: 85%
Pillion comes to theaters on Feb 6 (limited) and Feb 13 (wide)
