Pillion(2026)

1h 47m

Release Date: Feb 6, 2026 | Limited

A shy, directionless parking enforcement officer’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a commanding, leather-clad biker who invites him into a strict dominant-submissive relationship. What begins as an intense physical arrangement gradually becomes a tender, surprising exploration of desire and identity against the backdrop of an unconventional romance.

Releases

Original Release | Feb 6, 2026

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Director & Top Cast

Harry Lighton
Director

Harry Melling
Colin

Alexander Skarsgård
Ray

Douglas Hodge
Pete

Lesley Sharp
Peggy

Jake Shears
Kevin

Mat Hill

Steve

Nick Figgis

Don

Zoe Engerer

Don's Wife

Jake Sharp

Chigs

Jacob Carter

Cousin Roy

Christina Carty

Colleague

Zamir Mesiti

Usher

Rosie Sheehy

Megan

Miranda Bell

Elderly Local

Monica Purcell

Elderly Local Friend

Anthony Welsh

Darren

Kavcic Miha

Featured Biker and Pillion

Technical Specifications

Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

Aspect Ratio: 1.85 : 1

Other Details

Country of Origin: United Kingdom,Ireland

Language: English

Summaries

Plot Summary

Pillion is a 2025 British romantic black comedy-drama written and directed by Harry Lighton, adapted from the 2020 novel Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones. The film stars Harry Melling as Colin, a timid gay man whose life feels small and aimless, and Alexander Skarsgård as Ray, a charismatic biker who introduces Colin to a BDSM-influenced relationship that challenges his sense of self. Set in suburban England, the story follows Colin after a chance encounter with Ray on Christmas Day. Initially drawn purely by attraction, their relationship quickly becomes a structured dynamic of dominance and submission, pushing Colin out of his comfort zone and forcing him to navigate desire, vulnerability, and personal agency. As the pair move from sexual intensity to genuine connection, Pillion blends dry humour with emotional depth and candid exploration of queer intimacy. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, where it won the Best Screenplay award and received multiple nominations, including for the Caméra d’Or and Queer Palm. It was released in the United Kingdom by Warner Bros. Pictures and Picturehouse Entertainment on November 28, 2025, and is scheduled for its United States release on February 6, 2026, through A24. Pillion has earned acclaim for its performances and its sincere, unorthodox take on romantic storytelling.

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Fun Facts

Harry Lighton's directorial debut Pillion premiered in Cannes' Un Certain Regard section, winning Best Screenplay and Palm Dog for Mutt Moment alongside Caméra d'Or/Queer Palm nods, launching its festival circuit before Warner Bros./Picturehouse UK's November 28, 2025 release.