This newly released movie has been hailed by fans and critics alike, but it has also achieved one of the biggest accolades in the film industry. Pillion came out on top when it won “Best Film” at the British Independent Film Awards. 

The 2025 romantic comedy–drama film was written and directed by Harry Lighton in his directorial debut. It’s based on the 2020 novel Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones and stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård. Pillion had its world premiere at Cannes Film Festival this year, where it won the section’s Best Screenplay prize and the Palm Dog for Mutt Moment for its scene-stealing dogs, alongside nominations for the Caméra d’Or and the Queer Palm.

The film’s synopsis reads: “Colin, a timid man, meets Ray, a confident biker gang leader, who initiates him into a submissive relationship, challenging Colin’s mundane existence and prompting personal growth through their unconventional dynamic.”

With its 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the critics’ consensus on Pillion states: “A remarkable directorial debut by Harry Lighton, Pillion is an unconventional romance that soars thanks to its nonjudgmental perspective and knockout performances.”

One critic said: “A striking debut, Lighton has joined the likes of Jane Schoenbrun in creating a radical piece of queer cinema that will likely become a future classic.”

Another added: “Pillion is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama that just happens to take place in the world of BDSM. Harry Lighton’s script explores their dynamic with a sensitive hand, never glamorising or shaming anyone involved.”

A fan of the movie said: “Absolutely stunning film. The variety of emotions it conjures up for the audience is breathtaking. And the acting is brilliant. This has been my favourite film of the year.

Another said: “Unforgettable film in so many ways. Yes, it’s explicit, but that isn’t the lasting footprint of this film. I left the cinema having been enlightened, embarrassed, happy, and so very sad. Most reviews are talking about Harry Mellings’ Colin and his transformation, but it’s the inability of Alexander Skarsgaard’s Ray to change that is the true heartbreak.

“It’s a masterclass in the subtlety of truly great acting where so few words are needed to elicit such emotion from an audience. There won’t be Oscar nominations as it’s a small, independent film with a small budget, but there really, really should be.”

Pillion is out in UK cinemas now.