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Pillion’ Opens to Strong Reviews as Filmmakers Shorten Explicit Close-Up to Preserve Tension

The queer BDSM romance arrives unrated to praise for its consent-focused storytelling and nuanced performances.

Overview

  • Director Harry Lighton and stars Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling say a brief prosthetic close-up in an early alleyway scene was shortened after previews because audience reactions undercut the intended tension.
  • They emphasize the edit was a narrative choice rather than censorship, keeping viewers aligned with the protagonist’s perspective.
  • The A24 release is playing in select theaters now, with a wider expansion set for February 20.
  • Critics highlight Lighton’s feature debut for its nonjudgmental portrayal of BDSM and standout lead performances.
  • The film adapts Adam Mars-JonesBox Hill, features real members of an LGBTQ+ biker crew and a turn by Jake Shears, and is being released unrated with explicit sex presented without shock tactics.