Brighton Screens Pillion

Harry Melling, known for his roles in the Harry Potter series and The Queen's Gambit, stars in Pillion, a film that explores the boundaries of a mild-mannered traffic warden's life when he meets a charismatic biker. Directed by Harry Lighton, this debut feature has already garnered critical acclaim, including the Un Certain Regard Best Screenplay award at Cannes. The film also features Alexander Skarsgård, Lesley Sharp, and Douglas Hodge, and is based on the award-winning novel Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones.

Pillion is a 107-minute romance, drama, and comedy film, rated 18, and is a co-production of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The story follows Colin, a timid man, as he meets Ray, a confident biker gang leader, and is initiated into a submissive relationship that challenges his mundane existence and prompts personal growth. The film has received high scores from critics, with a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, an 85 out of 100 score on Metacritic, and a 6.9 out of 10 rating on IMDb.

The critical response to Pillion has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film's nonjudgmental perspective and knockout performances. The film's exploration of power dynamics and submission within a rarely depicted subculture has been particularly noted, with some critics highlighting the film's ability to balance dark humor and psychological realism. However, some viewers have expressed concerns about the portrayal of the relationship between Colin and Ray, citing a lack of communication and consent.

Viewers have also shared their thoughts on the film, with some praising its sensitive commentary on self-discovery, exploration, and communication, while others have found the relationship between the two leads to be problematic. Some have appreciated the film's honest and authentic portrayal of a complex relationship, while others have found it to be awkward or even disturbing. Despite these mixed reactions, Pillion has been praised for its exceptional performances, titillating and honest portrayal of a complex relationship, and its ability to spark important discussions about consent and boundaries.

The screening of Pillion is part of the CINECITY festival, which presents the best in world cinema, including premieres, previews, and special events. The festival runs from 30 October to 16 November at venues across Brighton and Lewes. Pillion will be shown at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts in Brighton on Thursday, 12 November 2026. Tickets and details are available with the button beside this article.