Pillion at filmforum Duisburg: A Queer Love Story Full of Courage and Closeness


Date and Time
Artist
Location
Price
About this Event
Mood
Venue Type
Pillion: A Tender Border Experience at filmforum Duisburg
When an inconspicuous everyday life suddenly smells of leather, freedom, and desire, Colin begins a journey that takes him far beyond his previous boundaries. Harry Lighton's award-winning feature film Pillion tells the story of an unusual love relationship, of devotion, self-discovery, and the difficult question of how much closeness a person really needs.
Between Daily Routine and Nightly Promises
Colin, played by Harry Melling, lives a secluded life with his parents and works as a parking ticket distributor. In a bar, he meets Ray, a charismatic biker, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård. Ray opens up a world of motorcycle rides, queer subculture, and a consistent dominance-submission dynamic to Colin.
A Production Full of Contradictions
The dramaturgy oscillates between British humor, erotic tension, and quiet moments of emotional uncertainty. Colin willingly takes on everyday tasks while Ray grants him access to adventures and a new form of self-perception. It is precisely from this contrast that the film derives its unique power: Pillion does not judge hastily but observes closely how desire, power, and tenderness wrestle with each other.
Acting with Emotional Depth
Harry Melling portrays Colin with a remarkable mix of shyness, comedy, and inner determination. Alexander Skarsgård gives Ray a magnetic presence that remains both seductive and difficult to decipher. The chemistry between the two lead actors carries the production and transforms the unusual relationship into a touching study of boundaries, consent, and the courage to embrace one’s identity.
From Novel to Award-Winning Film Art
Harry Lighton also wrote the screenplay and adapted the film from Adam Mars-Jones’ award-winning novel Box Hill. The world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival received much attention; Lighton was awarded the screenplay prize in the Un Certain Regard section. The film combines romantic drama, queer perspective, and dark British humor into a quirky cinematic experience.
The Stage Experience in the Cinema Hall
At filmforum, a concentrated theatrical atmosphere of cinema emerges: Light, bodies, leather, and glances become narrative signs. The acoustics of the motorcycle world meet the quiet spaces of Colin's parental home and the intimate moments of a relationship that defies simple categorization. With a runtime of 107 minutes, the evening offers a dense, sensual, and controversial film experience.
Conclusion: A Film about Desire and Self-Determination
Pillion focuses on a queer love story that cannot be settled into familiar romantic patterns. The audience can expect a bold production, strong acting, and a dramaturgy that encourages reflection on devotion, power, and personal freedom. Those who experience cinema as an immediate encounter with foreign life worlds will find an evening full of tension, tenderness, and topics for discussion.
Official Channels of filmforum Duisburg:
- Instagram: no official profile found
- Facebook: no official profile found
- YouTube: no official profile found
- Website: https://filmforum.de/programm-tickets










