We were lucky enough to attend the press screening of Pillion at the BFI Southbank, and it is fair to say the film left the room in a collective hush, followed by the kind of slow building applause reserved for work that hits deeper than expected.
Directed with sharp, unflinching confidence, Pillion is a film that rides the line between vulnerability and volatility. At its core sits Alexander Skarsgård, delivering one of his most restrained yet emotionally volatile performances in years. Known for towering, physical roles, Skarsgård shifts gears here, giving us a character cracked open from the inside, haunted, lonely, and desperate for connection.
The story follows a troubled former racer who finds unlikely companionship with a young drifter, forming a fragile bond forged on the back of a motorbike. Their journey unfolds across both literal and emotional landscapes, shot with breathtaking intimacy. The cinematography deserves particular praise: close, tactile, and patient, allowing the silences to speak as loudly as the outbursts.
What truly elevates Pillion is its attention to the unspoken. Glances, gestures, and the roar of the bike engine become emotional punctuation marks. The film explores masculinity, grief, and quiet yearning without ever drifting into melodrama. It trusts the audience and the audience at BFI Southbank trusted it right back.
The supporting cast brings texture and nuance, but Pillion is undoubtedly Skarsgård’s vehicle. He commands the screen with a performance that is both raw and deeply human, revealing a man wrestling with the ghosts of who he used to be.
By the time the credits rolled, the atmosphere in the room felt electric, charged with conversation, interpretation, and admiration. That is the mark of a film with something to say and the confidence to say it softly.
Verdict:
A beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant drama anchored by a career highlight performance from Alexander Skarsgård. Pillion is a journey worth taking, preferably on the biggest screen possible.
A special thanks to BFI Southbank for hosting such an exceptional press screening experience.
Reviewed by Stephen Stallone
