Italian
A24 brings ‘Pillion’ to U.S. screens: A bold queer romance adventure
A24 has secured the U.S. distribution rights to “Pillion”, a film teeming with an audacious blend of romance and raw emotion. Starring the dynamic duo Alexander Skarsgard (known for “The Northman” and “Succession”) and Harry Melling (“The Pale Blue Eye” and “The Queen’s Gambit”), this film is poised to captivate audiences with its daring narrative.
A powerhouse production
Produced by the illustrious Element Pictures, “Pillion” has already wrapped filming earlier this summer. Directed by Harry Lighton, the movie marks his first feature-length project, following the critical acclaim of his short film, “Wren Boys”, which garnered nominations for Best British Short at the 2018 BAFTAs and a BIFA, and was also showcased at the Sundance Film Festival.
Synopsis: A journey of self-discovery
“Pillion” revolves around Colin (Harry Melling), a timid wallflower who feels his life slipping away unnoticed. His monotonous existence takes a dramatic turn when Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), the strikingly attractive leader of a motorbike club, enters his world. Ray pulls Colin from his uninspiring suburban life, introducing him to a vibrant community of kinky, queer bikers and guiding him through a journey of personal exploration and transformation. However, as Colin delves deeper into Ray’s enigmatic world, he grapples with the complexities of his new life. Is he discovering his true self, or is he merely trading one form of confinement for another?
Behind the scenes
Technical mastery
The technical brilliance behind “Pillion” is backed by an impressive lineup of experts in their respective fields. Cinematographer Nick Morris, known for “Wren Boys”, production designer Francesca Massariol (“The Strays”), and BIFA Award-winning costume designer Grace Snell (“The Souvenir”) bring their unique visions to the project. Hair and makeup designer Diandra Ferreira (“Bob Marley: One Love”), BIFA Award-nominated composer Oliver Coates (“Aftersun”), and casting director Kahleen Crawford (“Lost Daughter”) also contribute their expertise, ensuring a high caliber of artistry throughout the film.
Executive producer insights
The production of “Pillion” is helmed by industry stalwarts such as Emma Norton, Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, and Lee Groombridge, with Alexander Skarsgård himself stepping into an executive producer role. This stellar team has collaborated with representatives from BBC Film, BFI, Fremantle, Picturehouse Entertainment, and September Film to finance and distribute the movie across various territories.
Storytelling rooted in literature
The screenplay for “Pillion” is based on Adam Mars-Jones’ “Box Hill”, the winner of the 2019 Fitzcarraldo Editions Nobel Prize. This intricate narrative is brought to life on screen with the support of BBC Film and BFI, highlighting the depth and richness of the original material.
A significant addition to queer cinema
“Pillion” is not just another film; it’s a powerful exploration of identity, freedom, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of an unconventional queer community. With its bold storytelling and compelling performances, it promises to be a standout addition to the genre of queer cinema.
Bringing the vision to the masses
The film’s U.S. distribution by A24 aligns it with a slew of other critically acclaimed indie films, ensuring it reaches a wide and appreciative audience. The film will also be distributed in the U.K. and Benelux by Picturehouse Entertainment and September Film, respectively.
“Pillion” has all the elements of a groundbreaking film: a compelling storyline, rich character development, and a team of highly skilled creatives behind the scenes. It’s a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought and discussion about the nature of freedom and personal fulfillment.
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