I saw “Pillion” in Los Angeles. The screening was sold out, with mostly gay men but I noticed a fair number of (what appeared to be straight couples) in the audience. They all seemed to enjoy the movie, laughing during scenes with awkward sex. I sat there in silence…
I am shocked that “Pillion” has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes (with 133 reviews). Many of those reviews say it’s romantic, yet I didn’t see a bit of real affection or love on the screen.
I’m gay, but I can’t say I understand the SMBD lifestyle. I thought this movie might fill me in. But I think I know less afterwards.
The movie presents two characters who are willing to participate in an S&M relationship but we are never given a clue what in their lives led to this. Ray, the Dom in the relationship (Alexander Skarsgård), is willing to play his emotionless character 24/7 to prove his commitment to dominance. And what in Colin’s life, the Sub (Harry Melling), led him to want to be treated with less courtesy than a dog? Was it because of the stress of his mother dying from cancer? But that’s just my guess.
If I had the opportunity to have a hook-up with Skarsgård, I’d do it too— but after a couple of times, to be treated with that level of indifference, hell no!
Finally, near the end, Colin rebells and (spoiler alert) Ray gives him a playful day together— then dumps Colin— literally moving the next day and vacating their apartment. Where is the love and romance in that?!?
I have no idea whether real-life SMBD relationships are like this, because in the movie, the characters never drop the pretense and behave like a real couple.
I thought the movie was sad and depressing. Even the graphic sex scenes were off-putting because there was never any affection. I agree with Colin’s mother, who tells Ray to “Fuck Off” because her son deserved someone better.
I also wonder if this movie had been about a relationship between a Dom man and a Sub woman, would the reviews still call it romantic?
NOTE: Apparently some in the Leather Community are offended by my comments about Pillion. I was not attacking the SMBD Lifestyle. My point was that I did not see and love, romance, or affection between the two characters in the film. I certainly hope that anyone in a relationship (SMBD Or otherwise) finds true affection.
