A24 has released the teaser trailer for Pillion, a new queer romantic dramedy starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling.
Skarsgård plays Ray, an enigmatic and confident biker who becomes involved with Colin, a shy and awkward man played by Melling.
The story follows their unusual relationship as Colin enters Ray’s world and discovers a new side of himself. Their connection brings plenty of awkward, funny and emotional moments.
The film adapts Adam Mars-Jones’ 2020 novel Box Hill. Harry Lighton wrote and directed the movie, which marks his feature-film debut.
Pillion premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. The film received a seven-minute standing ovation after its screening.
A24 will release Pillion in 2026. The studio is known for films such as Everything Everywhere All at Once and Midsommar.
Not trying to be ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’
Pillion features BDSM themes, but the film does not simply aim to become a queer version of Fifty Shades of Grey.
The teaser focuses on the relationship between Colin and Ray. It also highlights the film’s romantic and comedic elements.
The story includes familiar rom-com moments, including Colin meeting Ray’s parents and facing a crisis that puts their relationship under pressure.
Critics have praised the film for combining romance, humour and emotional depth. IndieWire described it as a moving love story, while Vanity Fair praised its exploration of self-discovery.
Variety also highlighted Lighton’s ability to balance humour with the more intimate parts of Colin and Ray’s relationship.
Before the Cannes screening, Lighton said he wanted Pillion to make audiences laugh, think and feel. He also wanted the film to reach people outside the LGBTQ+ community.
The director hopes viewers will connect with the characters and reflect on their own ideas about relationships and social expectations.
‘Portrayed with the perfect amount of respect, but not too much respect’: Skarsgard
Skarsgård said Lighton’s approach convinced him to take on the more intimate scenes in Pillion.
The actor explained that he often finds movie sex scenes unrealistic or overly polished. Lighton instead embraced the awkward and humorous side of the characters’ relationship.
That approach helped Skarsgård trust the first-time director and his vision for the film.
The actor also praised the way Lighton treated the characters as fully developed people rather than focusing only on their unconventional relationship.
Skarsgård believes Pillion can appeal to a broad audience. Its mix of romance, comedy and emotional storytelling gives the film a different identity from traditional BDSM-focused movies.
With its strong Cannes reception, A24 backing and two acclaimed actors leading the cast, Pillion is already attracting attention ahead of its 2026 release.
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