The following article contains spoilers for Pillion.

It’s been a kinky few years—at least in pop culture, and at least on paper. Think Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn, Halina Reijn’s Babygirl, Sabrina Carpenter’s flush-faced album cover for Man’s Best Friend. And now, Harry Lighton’s debut feature film Pillion, a BDSM awakening for the ages where born-to-be sub Colin (Harry Melling) meets towering Adonis dom Ray (Alexander Skarsgård) and embarks on a year-long relationship-slash-arrangement. Except, aside from some communal biker sex in the woods and a raunchy scene involving wrestling outfits, Pillion is essentially a very classic and quite moving romantic comedy. Imagine 500 Days of Summer, but with Prince Albert piercings and one of them sleeping on the rug like a dog. (Out now in the UK and Ireland, it’s released in the US in February.)

For those expecting a nuanced or transgressive exploration of the dom-sub experience, the “rom-com in disguise” element may come as a disappointment (see writer Emma Garland’s razor-sharp take on her Substack). For me, though—more of a yearner than anything else, and not totally turned off by a new twist on an old formula—it was a welcome surprise. The emotional space between Colin (who looks so much like a “Colin”) and Ray (who looks so little like a “Ray”) is one of distance and navigation, of tenderness and devotion. As a viewer, you find yourself willing them to figure it out—whatever it is. Could Colin accept a little less? Could Ray push himself a bit more? The answer is no, as it often is and probably should be, but I found myself beguiled by this well-worn dance anyway.

While Melling has drawn widespread praise for his depiction of the self-effacing Colin (I only discovered today that this is Dudley Dursley from Harry Potter—oh, how things have changed), it was Skarsgård whom I couldn’t keep my eyes off (and not just because he resembles a Florentine statue). There’s a freakiness and a playfulness that Ray emits in minute doses, making you feel thirstier than you would if there were none at all. If you’ve ever fancied someone so much that even the mere whisper of a smile feels like clouds parting, you’ll recognize the feeling replicated onscreen here. I personally don’t think Ray could have been played by anyone else. There’s a sort of inscrutable eccentricity that Skarsgård does so well, a generosity of spirit behind those ice-chip eyes.

Much has been said in recent years about the death of rom-coms, or the return of rom-coms, with “definitive” takes that seem to seesaw between the two. I believe we will never again experience the cozy, re-watchable rom-coms of the ’90s and ’00s because we live in a completely different era. Aside from the obvious—the endless parade of sequels and reboots, a budget-stretched industry afraid to take risks—we’re just not as culturally primed for those cheesy, monied, “boy meets girl” stories. They’ll always have their place (the runaway success of The Summer I Turned Pretty proves that), but they’re not the automatic go-to they once were. To that end, I think the rom-coms of today just look different. They look like Babygirl. They look like Pillion. They look like a man bent over in a plastic apron.

Like all good rom-coms (see again: 500 Days of Summer, maybe even He’s Just Not That Into You), Pillion doesn’t end the way you want it to, but it ends the way it should. We never find out where Ray came from, nor do we know where he’s going, but Colin emerges with a new understanding of himself. There’s every chance some viewers will find this sickly and predictable—but such is the nature of a good rom-com. And, to my mind at least, Pillion is one of this year’s very best.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Pillion in a natural conversational tone

Get Ready to Fall in Love with Pillion FAQs

Beginner Definition Questions

Q Okay what exactly is a pillion
A Simply put a pillion is the passenger seat on a motorcycle or scooter located behind the rider The person sitting there is called the pillion passenger or pillion rider

Q Is it hard to ride as a passenger on a bike
A It has a learning curve but its not hard The key is to relax move with the rider and avoid sudden movements Good communication makes all the difference

Q What should I wear as a pillion passenger
A Always wear the same protective gear as the rider a certified helmet a sturdy jacket gloves long pants and overtheankle boots Dress for the slide not just the ride

Benefits Experience

Q Whats so great about being a pillion passenger
A You get to enjoy the thrill and freedom of riding without the responsibility of controlling the bike Its a unique way to share an adventure see the scenery and feel completely connected to the journey

Q Can I talk to the rider while were moving
A It depends on your helmet setup Without communication devices its very difficult Many riders use Bluetooth intercoms so they can chat easily and safely

Q How do I get on and off the bike without causing a wobble
A Always wait for the riders signal Mount and dismount from the left side Step on the footpeg first then swing your leg over smoothly Avoid putting your weight on the riders shoulders

Common Problems Safety

Q I get nervous when we lean in corners What should I do
A Look over the riders shoulder in the direction of the turn Your body will naturally lean with them Do not try to sit upright or lean the opposite way as it makes the bike unstable

Q Where do I hold on
A The best place is around the riders waist or hips If the bike has handles or a grab rail you can