The film follows Colin, a young gay man still living with his parents, who becomes involved with Ray, an older biker gang leader. Their intense BDSM relationship challenges Colin’s sense of identity and independence, while his parents’ growing concerns about Ray force him to confront questions of intimacy, power, and agency.

Pillion marks the directorial debut of Harry Lighton, who adapts Adam Mars-Jones’ 2020 novel Box Hill into a bold romantic comedy-drama.

Lighton, originally from Portsmouth, gained acclaim for his short films including Wren Boys (2017), which was BAFTA and BIFA nominated. Pillion marks his highly anticipated transition to feature-length filmmaking.

A UK–Ireland co-production, the film had its world premiere in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. There, it won the Best Screenplay prize and delighted audiences with its Palm Dog-winning “Mutt Moment,” while also earning nominations for the Caméra d’Or and the Queer Palm.