The long, teasing wait is finally over—the Pillion official trailer has dropped, and it’s a full-blown fever dream of leather, lust, and lingering looks. Alexander Skarsgård is once again redefining “magnetism” on screen, this time as a commanding biker gang leader whose mere smirk could probably melt chrome.
For months, fans have been fed crumbs—mysterious stills, whispered festival reactions, and one too many blurry clips—but now we finally have the full tease. And good lord, it’s H–O–T, HOT.
RELATED: Alexander Skarsgard’s Leather-Clad Kink Fest Will Have You Begging for More
Based on Adam Mars-Jones’ 2020 novel Box Hill, the film stars Skarsgård alongside Harry Potter alum Harry Melling, who’s traded in wizardry for whips (well, almost). Melling plays Colin, a shy, repressed young man who crosses paths with Ray (Skarsgård), a leather-clad biker leader who embodies everything dangerous, dominant, and darkly alluring. The two strike up a relationship that’s part mentorship, part obsession, and wholly transformative.
And the trailer? It’s cinematic foreplay. In the trailer we find Melling’s Colin—wide-eyed, uncertain, practically trembling—as Skarsgård’s Ray stalks toward him down a dimly lit alley. The camera lingers on Skarsgård’s chest, glistening under the streetlight, before he slowly unzips his leather pants. You can practically hear a collective gasp across the internet.
I’m going to become extra annoying when this comes out. #A24 #Pillion pic.twitter.com/dOFYvJ3yWe
— hyacinth (@faustianbargn) October 10, 2025
But beneath the sweat and seduction lies something more unexpected. Pillion doesn’t just revel in kink—it explores the emotional complexity behind it. As Colin’s journey unfolds, we see his timid nature evolve into confidence, his innocence giving way to something rawer and real. And that’s where the movie’s real power lies: it’s not just about pleasure; it’s about transformation.
The official trailer for Harry Lighton’s Pillion, starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård.
In UK & Irish cinemas November 28 and having its UK premiere at LFF. pic.twitter.com/3keIz83OtU
— Letterboxd (@letterboxd) October 8, 2025
At its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Pillion received a thunderous seven-minute standing ovation. Not bad for a debut feature. Director Harry Lighton (in his first full-length film) described his goal succinctly: to “make you laugh, make you think, make you feel, and make you horny.” Judging by the trailer—and the Cannes reaction—he’s nailed all four.
Alexander Skarsgard em Pillion.pic.twitter.com/Vk8hpFWYNf
— CINEMA 505 (@CINEMA505) October 1, 2025
What makes Pillion stand out is its tone. It doesn’t treat BDSM as taboo or exploitative, nor does it sanitize it. Instead, it embraces the culture with honesty, humor, and tenderness. It’s sexy, sure—but also self-aware, giving the audience permission to both blush and chuckle. It’s a balancing act few films pull off, but Pillion does it with the ease of a well-oiled engine.
And let’s face it: Skarsgård was born for this kind of role. The man could read a phone book in leather and it would still feel erotic. But paired with Melling’s soft vulnerability? It’s cinematic alchemy.
So yes, the Pillion trailer is finally here—and it’s every bit as hot, heartfelt, and unapologetically queer as we hoped.
In summary: chains, bikes, leather, and an emotionally charged power exchange. Alexander Skarsgård unzipping things we wish we could see more of. Harry Melling’s sweet submission turning into strength.
The trailer revs its engine, and we’re already along for the ride.