Harry Lighton’s “Pillion” is being referred to as “the gay BDSM movie.” While the film certainly doesn’t shy away from presenting authentic depictions of a D/s (Dominant and submissive) relationship, it is much more. First-time director Lighton has crafted a film rich in emotion that should speak to anyone searching for their true self in life, sex, and love.

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Based on the novel “Box Hill: A Story of Low Self-Esteem” from Adam Mars-Jones, “Pillion” is not here to titillate. The story’s sexuality comes from a real bond between the lead characters. Lighton spoke about the necessity for accuracy in the way the film presents that lifestyle in the gay male communities. With the exception of the main cast, the BDSM leather community is populated with the real deal. These are the men who live it 24/7. The director seamlessly places his actors among them, achieving truth in both the filmmaking and the representation of the lifestyle.

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A mesmerizing Harry Melling is Colin, a young and lonely gay man who slugs through an unsatisfying job as a parking enforcement officer. In that kind of job, everyone hates you. Colin still lives with his Mum, Peggy (Lesley Sharp), and Dad, Pete (Douglas Hodge).

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Peggy is losing her battle against cancer and doesn’t have long. Pete is a dedicated husband and father. Both parents support their son’s sexuality and work to find him the right boyfriend, going so far as to set up blind dates with men they feel are right for their only child.

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After yet another misfire date, Colin sees Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), a tall, leather-clad biker who immediately sets fire to Colin’s desires: Their first physical encounter (it’s most certainly not a date), is in an alleyway behind some shops. Ray is testing Colin’s limits, as he immediately orders the young man around, as is Ray’s want. It is a moment of sexual adventure for Colin that will begin his journey to finding his true self. The games have begun and end right there. Ray takes this lifestyle seriously. This isn’t a kink. As they continue to see one another, Colin becomes immersed in the subculture where Ray has long staked his claim as a respected Dominant. Proving his obedience, he dons a chain with a lock around his neck and shaves his head like a new recruit ready for their first boot camp. He is now Ray’s official sub.

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Skarsgård and Melling become connected spirits in representing the film’s themes. The two actors are completely dedicated to the text, never straying from the fine character designs in Lighton’s screenplay. Both performers find the truth, eroticism, and surprising humor in their relationship.

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As Colin discovers deeper levels to his own sexuality, Ray finds himself in a strange position. As “Pillion” progresses, Ray just might be catching real feelings for Colin. When their “coupling” began, the stern Dom was looking for a sub plaything for perhaps a few months. The surprising roads they take as time passes will change both of them, for better or worse.

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There is no first kiss, but a back-alley test of submission colored with leather and bodily fluids. There is no courtship. Ray invites Colin for dinner, but the sub must do the cooking. Then Ray lets the dog sit on the couch while Colin stands to eat. After dinner, he will sleep on the floor.

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Sometimes Colin is on a leash. Sometimes he is part of a line of submissives who are being spat on. But all of this weaves a uniquely moving path to something profound.

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The director uses many close-ups, mostly of Colin, as he wants to get beyond the sex and the routines of the lifestyle. The picture has a good deal to say about being emotionally complete and trusting in one’s own heart in order to sustain something real with another person. This is a story that can speak to everyone.

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Harry Lighton wants to tell a tale of love and connection, while giving the material a subversive slant in both its storytelling and visual style. Nick Morris’ camera flows through the suburban neighborhoods and over the smooth rhythms of the nighttime streets and backroads. Artistic flair is kept to a minimum, but this is a red-hot filmmaking debut. Every moment is captivating, as “Pillion” is a breath of fresh cinematic air. There may be a hint of a happy ending, but nothing is wrapped in a tidy bow. Love and relationships are always in flux. Bonds are formed. Lessons are learned. Genuine love is found. But love ain’t easy, and life will always challenge us.

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Colin and Ray helped one another find their way to the truth. Harry Lighton guides his film accordingly, creating a personal and affectionate work that, whether one is gay or straight, will linger in our hearts.

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