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Pillion: Cannes Sensation Wins Best Screenplay, Stars Skarsgård

10/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Pillion, directed by Harry Lighton, queer dramedy about BDSM based on Adam Mars-Jones' Box Hill, premiered at Cannes in 2025, winning Best Screenplay and earning a seven-minute standing ovation.
Alexander Skarsgård stars as Ray, biker gang leader, with Harry Melling as Colin, his timid submissive.
A24 will release Pillion in early 2026 after Telluride and New York Film Festival screenings.

History

Historical Context

The 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, fostering greater visibility and representation in society and media. This cultural shift paved the way for diverse storytelling in film, exemplified by A24's 2025 release, Pillion, which won Best Screenplay at Cannes, reflecting ongoing acceptance of queer narratives in mainstream cinema.

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Story summary

Pillion, directed by Harry Lighton, queer dramedy about BDSM based on Adam Mars-Jones' Box Hill, premiered at Cannes in 2025, winning Best Screenplay and earning a seven-minute standing ovation.
Alexander Skarsgård stars as Ray, biker gang leader, with Harry Melling as Colin, his timid submissive.
A24 will release Pillion in early 2026 after Telluride and New York Film Festival screenings.

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