Pillion (film)
| Pillion | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Harry Lighton |
| Screenplay by | Harry Lighton |
| Based on | Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Nick Morris |
| Edited by | Gareth C. Scales |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Picturehouse Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 106 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Pillion is a 2025 British drama film, written and directed by Harry Lighton in his directorial debut, based upon the 2020 novel Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones. It stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård as a young gay man and a biker gang leader, respectively, who enter into a BDSM relationship.
The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section on 18 May 2025, where it won the Best Screenplay prize, and was nominated for the Caméra d'Or and the Queer Palm.
Cast
- Harry Melling as Colin
- Alexander Skarsgård as Ray
- Douglas Hodge as Pete[1]
- Lesley Sharp as Peggy
- Jake Shears as Kevin
- Paul Tallis as The Human Puppy
- Anthony Welsh as Darren[2]
Production
The film is based on the 2020 novel Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones.[3] In May 2024, Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård joined the cast of the film, with Harry Lighton directing (making his directorial debut) from a screenplay he wrote. Element Pictures, BBC Film and the British Film Institute produced and financed the film, with Picturehouse Entertainment set to distribute in the United Kingdom.[3]
Release
In October 2024, A24 acquired US distribution rights to the film.[4] It had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival at the Un Certain Regard section on 18 May 2025,[5][6] where it earned a 7-minute standing ovation at the end of its screening.[7]
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 17 critics' reviews are positive. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 85 out of 100, based on 11 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".
Accolades
| Award / Festival | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannes Film Festival | 24 May 2025 | Un Certain Regard Award | Harry Lighton | Nominated | [8] |
| Un Certain Regard Best Screenplay | Won | [9] | |||
| Caméra d'Or | Nominated | [8] | |||
| Queer Palm | Nominated | [10] | |||
| Palm Dog – Mutt Moment | Hippo | Won | [11] |
References
- ^ Garner, Glenn (18 May 2025). "'Pillion' Review: Alexander Skarsgård Is Dom For The Holidays & Harry Melling Is Hopelessly Devoted In Steamy BDSM Romance — Cannes Film Festival". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Anthony Welsh". B-Side Management & Production. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ a b Ritman, Alex (8 May 2024). "Harry Melling to Play Alexander Skarsgard's Submissive in Kinky Queer Romance 'Pillion' From Element Pictures, Cornerstone Launching in Cannes". Variety. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- ^ Ritman, Alex (9 October 2024). "A24 Acquires 'Pillion,' Alexander Skarsgard and Harry Melling's Kinky Queer Romance". Variety. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (10 April 2025). "Cannes Competition: Aster, Trier, Dardennes, Reichardt, Ducournau & Wes Anderson Among Lineup — Full List". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- ^ "The Screenings Guide of the 78th Festival de Cannes" (PDF). Festival de Cannes. 8 May 2025. p. 7. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ Gardner, Chris (18 May 2025). "Alexander Skarsgard Kisses Pedro Pascal on Cheek During Ravenous Standing Ovation for 'Pillion'". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ a b "The films of the Official Selection 2025". Festival de Cannes. 10 April 2025. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (23 May 2025). "Chilean Drama 'The Mysterious Gaze Of The Flamingo' Wins Top Un Certain Regard Prize — Cannes". Deadline. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
- ^ Queer Palm (9 May 2025). "SELECTION QUEER PALM 2025 2/5". Instagram.
- ^ Ross, Rollo; Murray, Miranda; Murray, Miranda (23 May 2025). "Icelandic sheepdog named Panda claims Palm Dog's top prize at Cannes". Reuters. Retrieved 23 May 2025.