The release of the new British film Pillion in UK cinemas has ignited a significant conversation within the kink and fetish communities. The movie, starring Alexander Skarsgård as leather dom Ray and Harry Melling as submissive Colin, explores a BDSM relationship, moving beyond stereotypical portrayals often seen in mainstream media.
Directed by Harry Lighton, the film has been praised for its raw and realistic depiction, prompting those within the lifestyle to share their perspectives on its authenticity and impact.
Authentic Representation Versus Cinematic Tropes
For many commentators, Pillion marks a departure from harmful clichés. KrugerAfterDark, a fetish community journal, noted that BDSM on screen has historically been reduced to "a gimp in the basement" or psychopathic villains in thrillers. This film, however, observes the human emotions where love and BDSM interact, a dynamic many in the community recognise.
The film is seen as an homage to the origins of gay leather culture, which traces its roots to post-Second World War motorcycle clubs in San Francisco. While it showcases diverse fetish elements like latex, rubber, and pup play, some noted the omission of the modern BLUF (Breeches and Leather Uniform Fanclub) aesthetic.
Consent, Psychology, and Raw Realism
Dr Lori Beth Bisbey, a psychologist and GSRD therapist aged 62 from Edinburgh, found the film "absolutely brilliant" and true to its leather roots. She highlighted a notable absence: there isn't a single explicit consent conversation shown. While this could be for narrative pacing, she affirmed it can be ethical, reflecting real-life scenarios where individuals assess and take risks.
From a psychological viewpoint, Bisbey analysed Ray's need for control to manage emotion and Colin's journey toward articulating his desires. She emphasised that such relationships can be very healthy and praised the impressively real-looking sex scenes, describing them as challengingly raw compared to typically sanitised on-screen intimacy.
Beyond the Bedroom: Queer Loneliness and Self-Discovery
Several voices highlighted how the film captures experiences beyond the sexual dynamics. Luca, 29 from Oxford, appreciated the excruciatingly British social awkwardness, from Christmas pub singing to Colin's parents' fumbling support. The film excelled in showing BDSM as a form of experimentation and self-exploration that extends outside the bedroom.
Max Hovey, a 26-year-old queer intimacy educator from Ashford, was deeply moved, crying four times. He related to the film's stark portrait of loneliness and the challenges of queer dating, especially in smaller towns. He interpreted Colin's acceptance of less-than-ideal connection as a metaphor for what many queer people settle for amidst isolation.
A Community of Authenticity and Vulnerability
Talia, 33 from Oxford, a lesbian viewer, connected with the film's depiction of the "other world" of kink—a euphoric secret that contrasts with daily life. She valued that Pillion presents flawed, relatable queer characters, unlike the sanitised perfection of some mainstream queer media.
Homme de Cuir, a 55-year-old steel artist from Shropshire whose work features in the film, praised the director's courage. He described the kink community as a rare space of authenticity and vulnerability, where people show their true selves, fostering incredibly strong and loyal friendships based on deep mutual understanding.
The consensus from within the community is that Pillion is a significant, overdue film. It combats stigma from both mainstream and within parts of the LGBTQ+ community by presenting a warm, human, and complex portrait of leather and kink culture, aiming to dispel myths and showcase its inherent humanity.
