Pillion (2025)

Block gives the film an enthusiastic verdict, calling it an assured and rewarding directorial debut. She praises its funny, tender take on queer first love and the chemistry between its leads.

The review gives the film five stars and presents it as a tender, wild BDSM comedy. It singles out the film’s tender gay-biker premise as a strength.

Webb praises the film as a nuanced, affirming love story and a triumphant directorial debut. She singles out Harry Melling’s vulnerable performance and the tender, naturalistic portrayal of the BDSM biker community.

Lattanzio praises the film as a strange, sweet, and deeply moving BDSM romance. He singles out Skarsgård and Melling’s committed performances and the film’s emotional complexity.

Nicholson finds the film an optimistic, funny romance about a young man discovering what he wants, despite an imbalanced relationship. She particularly praises Harry Melling’s open, puppy-like performance and Alexander Skarsgård’s subtle glimpses of feeling beneath Ray’s gruff exterior.

Bradshaw finds the film a funny, touching and alarming real love story. He particularly praises Harry Melling’s performance as Colin, whose devotion becomes both ecstatic and troubling.

Rooney finds the film a disarming, cheeky delight and a uniquely tender queer love story. He especially praises Harry Melling’s portrayal of Colin’s growing confidence and self-knowledge.

Debruge finds the film edgy, understated, and revealing, though its narrow focus leaves the story feeling limited. He particularly praises Harry Melling’s endearingly insecure performance as Colin.

Rife finds the film a thoughtful, unconventional romance that uses BDSM to examine commitment and emotional needs. She especially praises Harry Lighton’s controlled direction and the evocative details that sustain its fairy-tale tone.

Ide finds the film graphic and funny, yet unexpectedly sweet and humane. She especially praises Harry Melling’s expressive performance and the warmth of Colin’s scenes with his father.

Strong finds the film touching, surprising and buoyant, though its changed ending weakens the central relationship. She particularly praises the chemistry between Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård, along with the film’s nuanced treatment of desire.

The review finds the film a feel-good, non-judgmental comedy that treats unconventional relationships with warmth. It particularly praises Lesley Sharp’s spirited performance and the subtle writing around her character’s illness.

Uhlich finds the film a bittersweet, subversive romance whose ending leaves an emotionally potent but uncertain impression. He praises Skarsgård and Melling’s performances, especially the vulnerability Skarsgård reveals in the final scenes.

Chang finds that the film ultimately works as a romance, with Colin’s changing sense of self giving its ending emotional force. He especially praises Harry Melling’s finely timed performance and Alexander Skarsgård’s expressive comic restraint.

Garbutt finds Pillion more nuanced and affecting than a conventional rom-com, with a positive verdict on its exploration of sexual freedom. She particularly praises Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård’s fearless performances and the film’s respectful depiction of the BDSM community.

Baughan presents the film as a sensitive, frank exploration of a submissive gay relationship. The visible standfirst singles out its sensitive treatment of that relationship for praise.

Willmore finds the film a sweet, melancholy story of self-discovery, though its take on intimacy feels surprisingly mild. She praises Alexander Skarsgård’s expressive, wordless performance and the vulnerability Harry Melling brings to Colin.

The page is inaccessible, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No specific praise or complaint is available to report.

The page could not be read, so the critic’s verdict is unavailable. No praised or criticized element can be identified from the accessible text.

The critic calls the film a beautiful, romantic success that treats kink with thoughtfulness and care. They praise Melling and Skarsgård’s performances, as well as Lighton’s intimate direction and evocative sound design.

Colangelo views the film as a charming, emotionally restrained love story that treats kink and queer intimacy without sensationalism. She particularly praises Harry Melling’s vulnerable performance and the film’s handling of consent and community.

The review finds the film funny, raw and unexpectedly tender, with a moving shift toward Colin’s self-recognition. It particularly praises Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård’s performances and the awkwardly affecting family scenes.

Crow calls it an unconventional, surprisingly heartfelt love story that is funny and sincere without judging its characters. He praises the nuanced performances by Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, especially their portrayal of the relationship’s evolving complexity.

Tham finds the film sweet, funny and compelling, despite a slightly unconvincing final act. The review especially praises a rough sex scene for its emotional storytelling and the chemistry between Melling and Skarsgård.

The critic finds the film a beautifully heartbreaking romance that uses BDSM to explore devotion and self-discovery. They praise Harry Lighton’s sensitive treatment of kink and the performances of Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling.

Wilkinson finds the film sweet-natured and bracing, with a strong emotional payoff as Colin learns to speak up for himself. She praises Harry Melling’s performance and the film’s humorous, non-exploitative treatment of its BDSM world.

The article’s verdict cannot be determined because the page is blocked. No praise or complaint from the critic is visible.