Review: 'Pillion' Explores Nuanced Dom/Sub Relationship Dynamics

The film adaptation of Adam Mars-Jones' 'Box Hill' delves into a consensual yet complex adult relationship.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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In the film 'Pillion', Harry Melling stars as Colin, a shy young man from a loving family who explores his life in the gay community and grapples with his mother's terminal illness. Colin becomes infatuated with Ray, a quiet man in a local leather biking gang, and the two enter into a consensual yet confounding dom/sub relationship. Though the community explored may not be mainstream, the film is a beautifully sweet exploration of their dynamics and the sense of place those who join them can find.

Why it matters

The film provides a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a dom/sub adult relationship, challenging preconceptions and highlighting the universal search for self and authentic connection that underlies the specific dynamics.

The details

Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård deliver standout performances as Colin and Ray, respectively. Colin is a shy young man exploring his life in the gay community, while Ray is a closed-off dom who fully embodies his power in the relationship. Despite their differences, there is a warmth and closeness that grows between them over time, as evidenced by Ray agreeing to have dinner with Colin's parents.

  • The film is an adaptation of Adam Mars-Jones' 2020 book 'Box Hill'.
  • The film 'Pillion' is now in theaters.

The players

Harry Melling

The actor who plays the role of Colin, the shy young man at the center of the film.

Alexander Skarsgård

The actor who plays the role of Ray, the quiet man in the local leather biking gang who enters into a dom/sub relationship with Colin.

Harry Lighton

The director who adapted Adam Mars-Jones' 2020 book 'Box Hill' into the film 'Pillion'.

Adam Mars-Jones

The author whose 2020 book 'Box Hill' was adapted into the film 'Pillion'.

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The takeaway

The film 'Pillion' provides a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a dom/sub adult relationship, challenging preconceptions and highlighting the universal search for self and authentic connection that underlies the specific dynamics explored in the story.