Fast reviews for busy people! Watch as I review three movies in less time than it takes to drink a latte! Have a look as I race against the clock to tell you about the time travelling farce “Nirvanna: The Band The Show The Movie,” the drama “Sirāt” and the coming-of-age story “Pillion.”
Watch the whole thing HERE!
SYNOPSIS: In “Pillion,” a new queer romantic dark comedy starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård, and now playing in theatres, timid gay man Colin becomes the submissive partner of Ray, a handsome and dominant biker. “I have an aptitude for devotion,” says Colin.
CAST: Harry Melling, Alexander Skarsgård, Douglas Hodge, Lesley Sharp, Jake Shears. Directed by Harry Lighton.
REVIEW: A study of blossoming sexual awareness and acceptance, “Pillion” traces Colin’s journey into submissiveness with frankness, wry humor and tenderness.
The action in “Pillion” begins on a quiet London suburban Christmas Eve. The mousy Colin (Harry Melling) is performing in a chirpy barbershop quartet at a pub when he meets charismatic biker Ray (Alexander Skarsgård). A relationship quickly blooms, as Colin becomes a submissive partner to the dominant Ray. “Next to you I am nothing,” says Colin, “but I’m yours all the same.”
Over the next year Ray leads Colin into the world of BDSM and dominant-submissive relationship within the gay biker subculture, establishing power dynamics—Colin cooks, cleans, and obeys a strict set of rules while riding pillion, passenger seat on a motorcycle—and the boundaries of the pair’s desires.
Though submissive to Ray, Colin embraces the new relationship through all its challenges and thrills.
Based on Adam Mars-Jones’ novel “Box Hill,” “Pillion” is a straightforward and nonjudgemental rom com about desire and growth.
Melling, best known for playing Harry Potter’s spoiled cousin Dudley Dursley, hands in a wonderful performance as Colin, whose transformation from vulnerable and insecure to someone in control of his life and sexuality is handled with gentleness and authenticity.
Though for the most part emotionally cut off, Ray benefits from Skarsgård’s stoicism, but the actor brings the character to life by allowing hints of vulnerability to shine through his distant facade.
“Pillion” succeeds because of strong performances, but also because it accepts Colin, just as he learns to accept himself.
