Pillion 2026 Movie Review
One can see that this movie evokes strong reactions by the wide range of ratings. As a gay man myself with lots of experience, I’m used to seeing reviews claiming something is “disgusting” because it portrays a gay lifestyle of which they disapprove. In fact, it is rather mild in its depiction, with a couple of scenes that only hint at sex. It is not a porno by any means, and doesn’t begin to show how extreme these situations can truly get in reality. Nevertheless, this film might be highly educational for some people. There is more nudity in the average church, and more sex on American TV these days. But if the appearance of a male buttocks deeply offends you, move on.
The “lifestyle” in question is that of a relationship between a dominant male and a subservient male. But for a few specific details, it could just as easily describe a heterosexual arrangement. And, it’s very well done, with characterizations that are pretty accurate for the most part, though very restrained and compassionate.
My problem is only that I inherently dislike both of the principal characters. The main character is Colin, the subservient partner in this relationship. No matter how sympathetically he is depicted, I cannot personally get past the fact that in real life I would dismiss someone like this as weak and pathetic, in need of psychiatric counselling. The dominant partner is Ray, about whom we know very little. He, too, is depicted sympathetically, but my dislike for his behavior is pretty intense. Pillion does a good job of exploring the rationale behind both roles, and almost convinces me to accept it as just another loving relationship.
However, the film is only suggestive of the extremes that I know exist in the real world. I found the mild perspective that Pillion shows us to be almost comical in some cases. Colin’s parents, for example, are incredibly tolerant and supportive. Many gay teens only wish their parents came close!!! Only once does anyone openly question the situation. Sorry, but the world is not nearly so accepting.
Indeed, my own reaction was to initially give the film a much lower rating, but as I began my review, I realized how much my own intolerance was impacting my judgment. When I think about how well the film explains and justifies this relationship, and the educational value even for someone like me who is quite familiar with this “scene”, I think perhaps a 10/10 is more appropriate. I just can’t get past my personal distaste for most of the characters.
