Pillion

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Pillion

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1h 46m

Romance

Drama

LGBTQ+

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

99%

Tomatometer

179 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

100+ Verified Ratings

A timid man is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive.

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Critics Consensus

A remarkable directorial debut by Harry Lighton, Pillion is an unconventional romance that soars thanks to its nonjudgmental perspective and knockout performances.

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Audience Says

An unfiltered, empathetic look at self-discovery, love, and desire, Pillion captures its themes with cinematic beauty, and powerful performances – all while never refusing to patronize its audience.

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Adam Graham

Detroit News

5d

A-

Lighton's deft touch brings viewers into their story without softening the graphic sex scenes. His strength is in making the specific universal, and he makes Melling's character impossible not to root for.

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Dominic Baez

Seattle Times

Feb 25

3/4

More coming-of-age than love story, Pillion finds joy in Colin’s journey of learning who he truly is. His road there is a little bumpy — like riding on the back of a motorcycle — and it may be a path less traveled, but it’s a worthwhile one all the same.

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Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

Feb 18

3/5

Films have taken me to some strange corners of the world but I’ve never felt quite as disoriented as I did while watching Pillion.

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Luis Martínez

El Mundo (Spain)

1d

4/5

As dazzling and fun as it is murky and unsettling. [Full review in Spanish]

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

1d

4/4

It's probably the best feature directorial debut since 'Past Lives.'

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Margot Harrison

Seven Days (VT)

3d

4/5

While the cringe is strong (and deliberate) in many scenes of Pillion, Lighton makes it clear that kink isn’t an embarrassing detour for Colin — it’s how he comes to know himself. For him, in a very real sense, submission becomes empowering.

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Alice

17h

Its call me by your name but shorter and rougher and at least hopeful

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bentley

1d

i’m not gonna lie im really let down by this movie. i’m tired of them making “bdsm” movies that don’t talk about the main factor: consent. maybe im too close to this, but as a gay trans man i feel let down that we can’t even get proper representation of consent in our community. consent is sexy. this movie pissed me off and maybe i’ll feel different if i watch it again not feeling as close then id think differently, but i feel let down and angry, and the hot leather daddies who left the theatre before me seemed to feel the same. i’m giving this a like because as let down as i feel, i think this was worth watching and was a $6 thursday ticket well spent. that being said, holy fuck this was really hot and amazing to see in theatres and i feel so joyous and grateful that i live in a town with a theatre willing to show this so i could go be gay with jacob and watch this with him. henry melling was hot as fuck.

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Cary

2d

Must see if youre interested in a fascinating story of being human!

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Brent

3d

FUCKING BRILLIANT! I mean this is made for Everyone! My mom 64 was so in love with this film. I couldn’t believe how excepting of this world she was. Just so much growth. The two lead performances COULD NOT BE BETTER! Again another film from A24 that inspires & teaches & explains. This film made me so proud to be a fluid man! This is the film YOU SIT DOWN WITH YOUR PARENTS & WATCH! It opens there brains so much. & the acting & writing of this film leaves you feeling Strong!

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customer

3d

The film left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about each characters backstory. I thought it would have been more beneficial for the audience if they openly talked about their relationship. Someone unfamiliar with the topic would have very negative views and misconstrue the beauty. Not every love story looks the same. I also wasnt a big fan of the ending.

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frankie

4d

it's a very realistic movie

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Harry Lighton

Director

Alexander Skarsgård

Ray

Harry Melling

Colin

Douglas Hodge

Pete

Lesley Sharp

Peggy

Paul Tallis

Featured Biker and Pillion

Pillion: Exclusive Movie Clip - Thank You

0:47

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Awards Leaderboard: Best Movies of 2025

Pillion: Teaser Trailer 2

1:00

'Pillion' Director Harry Lighton Receives Rotten Tomatoes Award

0:33

Pillion: Trailer 1

2:02

Pillion: Teaser Trailer

1:39

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Synopsis

A timid man is swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive.

Director: Harry Lighton
Producer: Lee Groombridge, Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Emma Norton
Screenwriter: Harry Lighton
Distributor: A24
Production Co: Element Pictures, British Film Institute (BFI), BBC Film
Genre: Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 6, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 1h 46m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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