I thought the ending was great too. It doesn't translate the failure of one relationship as the end of Melling's interest in a sub-culture and we get to see him learn to set boundaries and grow. So happy to have another gay film that doesn't have to melodramatic about a relationship ending and shows that everything will be okay even if it's rocky. Don't know much about the director but hope he gets some more swings based on how this was received!
I totally missed that this was Lighton’s feature debut! Super impressive!!! I definitely felt some Andrew Haigh influence there that I loved. Lighton feels like a very promising (and welcome) addition to the canon of gay filmmakers!
Interesting to read. I watched Pillion and didn't like it at all despite having high hopes. The dynamic did indeed feel toxic to me, in all his gestures and actions Melling's character seems to just crave affection, but he never gets it because it's not that type of relationship. To me it's like he came into it under informed - okay, he wants to be a sub, but for a dom who doesn't treat him like air (even if others may be into it). Even within the same motorbike gang we see that one couple that likes kissing, so the rules vary between them. The entire movie I was just screaming for them to talk it out. I didn't see Skarsgard as abusive either, just loads of miscommunication between them. Personally I didn't like either character much - I did love the mum and felt bad Melling never took the time to try and explain to her how he feels. I was really curious to read how you experienced the film, I see the majority of people having a similar feeling to yours. It's possible I'm just totally not getting the dynamic. Great review!
Yeah, this is a totally fair reading! A big part of not just this relationship but all relationships is how poor communication makes situations messy for no reason. I’m sorry the movie didn’t work for you. I appreciate you reaching out and checking out others' thoughts!
I thought the ending was great too. It doesn't translate the failure of one relationship as the end of Melling's interest in a sub-culture and we get to see him learn to set boundaries and grow. So happy to have another gay film that doesn't have to melodramatic about a relationship ending and shows that everything will be okay even if it's rocky. Don't know much about the director but hope he gets some more swings based on how this was received!
Totally agree about the ending and loved that Colin is just on his own journey now!
I totally missed that this was Lighton’s feature debut! Super impressive!!! I definitely felt some Andrew Haigh influence there that I loved. Lighton feels like a very promising (and welcome) addition to the canon of gay filmmakers!
I have season tickets to whatever he makes next!!!
Great review. I loved the film too. Reminds us love can be found in many different forms.
Great review Kevin! I liked the film a lot too.
Thanks Dan! Really worked for me and had a great time seeing it with friends in a packed theater!
Interesting to read. I watched Pillion and didn't like it at all despite having high hopes. The dynamic did indeed feel toxic to me, in all his gestures and actions Melling's character seems to just crave affection, but he never gets it because it's not that type of relationship. To me it's like he came into it under informed - okay, he wants to be a sub, but for a dom who doesn't treat him like air (even if others may be into it). Even within the same motorbike gang we see that one couple that likes kissing, so the rules vary between them. The entire movie I was just screaming for them to talk it out. I didn't see Skarsgard as abusive either, just loads of miscommunication between them. Personally I didn't like either character much - I did love the mum and felt bad Melling never took the time to try and explain to her how he feels. I was really curious to read how you experienced the film, I see the majority of people having a similar feeling to yours. It's possible I'm just totally not getting the dynamic. Great review!
Yeah, this is a totally fair reading! A big part of not just this relationship but all relationships is how poor communication makes situations messy for no reason. I’m sorry the movie didn’t work for you. I appreciate you reaching out and checking out others' thoughts!