Alexander Skarsgärd Sizzles In A24’s Queer Coming-Of-Age “Dom-Com” PILLION

Cinema Scholars reviews the kinky queer coming-of-age “Dom-com” Pillion. The film is directed by Harry Lighton and stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgärd. A24 is releasing Pillion in theaters on February 13, 2025.

INTRODUCTION

It’s February, so that means an onslaught of romantic stories will be hitting our screens. From Lifetime Network meet-cutes to big-screen love bombs, people want something lovely to watch for Valentine’s, and the entertainment industry is all too ready to acquiesce and capitalize.

While there has always been an abundance of hetero love stories, it is fair to say that LGBTQ romances are vastly underrepresented. Yes, thankfully Hallmark and Lifetime have caught up with the times featuring same-sex courtships. But the big screen still has a woeful lack of films that fully explore the gay relationship experience—much, much less LGBTQ fringe stories.

In the sexy new “Dom-Com” Pillion, director Harry Lighton centers his queer coming-of-age story around the vibrant Dominant/Submissive subculture in the London LGBTQ community.

SYNOPSIS

Colin (Harry Melling) is a 20-something barbershop quartet tenor whose main social life is performing at the local pub for a small but adoring audience- including his devoted mum. After a rousing holiday performance, Colin is approached by a mysterious and devilishly handsome biker, Ray (Alexander Skarsgärd), who propositions him for a clandestine Christmas hook-up.

Under the guise of walking the dog, Colin sets out to meet his potential beau. Before he knows it, Ray has him licking his boots and performing fellatio in an alley. From here, Colin embarks on a fish-out-of-water journey into the LGBTQ Dom/Sub world with his new lover leading the way.

DISCUSSION

Pillion is a tantalizing portal into the lesser-known circle of the gay male dominant/submissive lifestyle. Through Colin’s eyes, we are introduced to Ray’s version of this arrangement. Colin cooks meals, tends to Ray’s needs, and sleeps on the floor per his Dom’s command. Though their initial interactions are packed with cringey moments you might expect, Ray is patient and fair in his introduction. As Colin learns the ropes, he begins to thrive with this newfound attention.

In addition to enjoying his exciting new relationship, Colin has also gained a group of like-minded cohorts. While their version of dinner parties and camping trips involves aprons-only and ball gags for the Subs in the crew, Colin enjoys being part of the gang nonetheless. It becomes clear that the relationships between each couple, though unconventional, are quite fulfilling for all parties involved.

As he and Ray become more comfortable in their arrangement, Colin begins to demand more from his partner than he is willing to give. Dealing with a recent family tragedy, Colin starts to realize his own desires and boundaries despite Ray’s straightforward decree about his own. The result is a heartbreaking realization for Colin about what he is and isn’t willing to put up with even if he risks losing Ray’s much-needed affection.

PERFORMANCES

As Colin, Harry Melling is painfully authentic as the quiet and naive Sub recruit. Although Melling plays him with the wide-eyed wonder of a young gay man trying to navigate unfamiliar territory, the twinkle in his eye lets us know that Colin is anything but non-adventurous. Later in the story when his character starts to understand his own wants and desires, Melling takes him there with a sad confidence earned by Colin’s newfound experience.

Alexander Skarsgärd displays his usual magnetism in a whole new context. He perfectly encapsulates the cool and calm of the domineering Ray. Like Colin, you can’t help but want him to take you under his wing and show you the ways of this new, alluring lifestyle. Yet, despite Ray’s somewhat aloof demeanor, Skarsgärd still manages to imbue his character with a sense of morality and care among all the kink.

FURTHER DISCUSSION

Pillion might not be for everyone, but that seems to be the very point. While the dom/sub fetish is a small fraction of the gay community, representation through a fun offbeat story is necessary and valuable nonetheless.

Let’s not pretend that a majority of “traditional” hetero relationships throughout history haven’t always had a dom/sub element. The doting housewife at the ready with dinner, an after-work martini, and sex on demand has been the gold standard for conventional couples for decades. Though the relationship in this instance certainly takes this notion to the extreme, the concept of dominant and submissive partners is nothing new.

CONCLUSION

Throughout all this learning and self-discovery, there’s also a really fun and exciting sexual awakening that Pillion embraces beautifully. Yes, there are more than a few gratuitous scenes that are as awkward as they are tantalizing. But, who doesn’t wish to have someone take your hand and guide you through the intricacies of intimacy? While Colin definitely meets the sharp learning curve with equal parts innocence and eagerness, Ray is the sexy and self-assured teacher that Colin needs in that moment.

So despite the conceit of a raunchy, sometimes graphic affair, Pillion succeeds at also being a wholly original and unexpectedly poignant queer coming-of-age story.

A24 is releasing Pillion in theaters on February 13, 2025.

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