What do you get when you mix leather, lust, and a seven-minute standing ovation? The answer: Pillion, the new queer Sub/Dom biker romance that roared into the Cannes Film Festival this weekend — and brought a little cheeky affection with it.
During the thunderous applause following the film’s premiere, Alexander Skarsgård leaned over and planted a sweet (and now instantly iconic) kiss on Pedro Pascal’s cheek. Call it bromance, call it promotion — either way, it sent the audience and internet into a frenzy.
We’re definitely not jealous. Not at all.
Leather, Lust, and Literary Roots
Directed by Harry Lighton and based on Adam Mars-Jones’ 2019 novel Box Hill, Pillion premiered on May 18 in Cannes’ prestigious Un Certain Regard section. The film stars Harry Potter alum Harry Melling as Colin, a timid loner whose world is flipped upside down by Ray — an enigmatic, dominant biker portrayed by Skarsgård.
The official synopsis describes Colin as “a weedy wallflower” until Ray, the “impossibly handsome leader of a motorbike club,” claims him as his submissive. Ray whisks Colin away from his dull suburban life into a raw, sexually charged world of queer biker brotherhood — and things get kinky fast.
“But as Colin steps deeper into Ray’s world of rules and mysteries,” the synopsis teases, “he begins to question whether the life of a 24/7 submissive is for him. Has he found his calling, or simply swapped one form of suffocation for another?”
Standing Ovation and Critical Acclaim
The Cannes crowd certainly approved. Following the film’s climactic ending, the theater erupted into a standing ovation that reportedly lasted a full seven minutes. That’s when Skarsgård, dressed in black leather trousers and biker boots, gave Pascal a playful smooch in front of the crowd.
A power move? Absolutely. A meme in the making? Without a doubt.
Critics are already showering the film with praise:
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Deadline lauded Skarsgård for fully committing to the role, calling his performance “fearless” and “emotionally elusive.”
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The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the duo’s dynamic chemistry, writing that “what gives Pillion its kick is the friction sparked when Colin starts wanting more.”
Queer Cinema Shines Bright at Cannes
Pillion is part of a dazzling lineup of LGBTQ+ films showcased at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which runs through May 24. Other queer highlights include:
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The History of Sound, starring Challengers’ Josh O’Connor and All of Us Strangers’ Paul Mescal.
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The Chronology of Water, the highly anticipated directorial debut from Kristen Stewart.
With this much queer storytelling on the big screen, it’s clear that Cannes is embracing bold, boundary-pushing cinema with open arms — and open hearts.
Final Verdict?
Pillion is more than just leather, sex, and domination — though it delivers plenty of that. It’s a deeply felt story about identity, power, and desire, with performances that leave a lasting impression.
And, let’s be honest, any film that gives us Alexander Skarsgård in biker boots and a Pedro Pascal kiss? That’s cinema, baby.
