Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård on “Pillion”: Breaking Stereotypes and Bringing Kink Authenticity to Queer Storytelling

At the 69th BFI London Film Festival, “Pillion” emerged as one of the most talked-about premieres of the season, not just for its bold storytelling, but for its sensitive exploration of queer relationships often misrepresented or misunderstood in mainstream media. In an interview with PinkNews, stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård spoke about their experience bringing the film to life, their approach to intimacy, and their hopes for broader queer representation in cinema .

“Pillion” tells the story of Colin, a meek gay traffic warden and barbershop quartet singer, played by Harry Melling, who is swept into a complex relationship by Ray, a mysterious, leather-clad biker portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård. Central to the narrative is the dom/sub dynamic between the two men—a theme that both actors felt compelled to approach with care and authenticity.

Skarsgård, in conversation with PinkNews, emphasized the film’s refusal to fall into the trap of portraying “stereotypes” often associated with dom/sub relationships. “We wanted to avoid stereotypes and also try to make those scenes feel authentic. can be clumsy, it can be awkward, it can be weird and it can be funny. It doesn’t have to be sexy all the time,” Skarsgård stated, highlighting the nuanced depiction of intimacy that “Pillion” strives to achieve .

Melling echoed these sentiments, noting the rarity and importance of showcasing stories from LGBTQ+ subcultures that are often left unexplored. “What I think is so exciting about this movie is it tells a story that isn’t often told. I guess my message to everyone, not just the queer community, is if you want to see something and have a better understanding of a subculture that you maybe don’t know about, then hopefully this movie will offer you that. That would really be the value of this film,” Melling shared .

The chemistry between Melling and Skarsgård is a testament to the trust and professionalism fostered during production. Notably, the two actors met for the first time only days before shooting began, with their first rehearsal involving a physically and emotionally demanding wrestling scene . Skarsgård recounted, “We literally shook hands, said, ‘Nice to meet you.’ That’s how funny in the real world, but it’s a great way to get to know each other.”

Integral to the film’s approach was the presence of intimacy coordinator Robbie Taylor Hunt, whose experience on queer-centered projects such as “Red, White & Royal Blue,” “Mr Loverman,” “Big Boys,” and “Heartstopper” ensured that moments of vulnerability were handled with care . Melling expressed gratitude for the process, stating, “What was so good about the sex scenes and why maybe I felt very comfortable doing them, was it always felt like we were moving the story along. Maybe that’s why people are saying it feels authentic in that way.”

Director Harry Lighton’s vision was to create a tone that balanced humor, awkwardness, and genuine emotion, a challenge that was met both in scripting and on set. The actors’ willingness to embrace the peculiarities of their characters’ dynamic contributed to scenes that are both disarming and real

“Pillion” is much more than a provocative romance—it is a meditation on identity, desire, and self-discovery. Melling’s character, Colin, is depicted as a shy, optimistic man, whose journey from inexperience to self-affirmation forms the emotional core of the film . “From the moment I read the script, I felt like it was a very unique, wonderfully detailed depiction of something that people should hear about,” Melling told HeyUGuys at the London Film Festival. His pride in portraying a character whose queerness is accepted by his family, and whose exploration of kink is met with curiosity rather than shame, marks an important step forward in LGBTQ+ storytelling .

The film’s reception at the London Film Festival was marked by enthusiasm and critical acclaim, with audiences and critics noting the refreshing honesty and complexity in its depiction of queer intimacy and relationships . “Pillion” is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 28 November, and is already being hailed as a must-see for those seeking cinema that challenges norms and expands the conversation around queer lives.

In the broader landscape of LGBTQ+ media, “Pillion” stands out for its unapologetic focus on a dom/sub relationship between two men, refusing to sanitize or sensationalize their experiences. The collaborative efforts of the cast and crew, including the work of intimacy coordinators and directors sensitive to the nuances of queer life, are vital in ensuring that stories like these are told with respect and complexity.

For many viewers, the film offers a rare glimpse into a subculture that is frequently misunderstood or caricatured. Both Melling and Skarsgård hope that audiences will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the diversity within LGBTQ+ relationships, and perhaps a willingness to challenge their own preconceptions .

As mainstream cinema continues to broaden its depiction of queer lives, “Pillion” marks a significant moment in the ongoing effort for representation, authenticity, and—above all—humanity on screen.