Alexander Skarsgård Dominates Harry Melling In New Biker Flick “Pillion” – And Cannes In Kinky Boots
Alexander Skarsgård made a bold fashion statement at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, turning heads with his daring choice of thigh-high leather boots on the red carpet. The Swedish actor’s ensemble, featuring glossy black boots from luxury label Loewe paired with a tuxedo and tucked-in trousers, sparked a mix of intrigue and skepticism among onlookers. Some described the look as “fetishy” drawing comparisons to Robin Hood or a fishing enthusiast.
The Swedish actor’s latest film, Pillion, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, May 19, 2025. We hear the movie, which stars Skarsgård alongside Harry Melling, received a massive eight-minute standing ovation. Even Pedro Pascal was reportedly in the audience, soaking it all in!
So, what’s all the buzz about? Pillion, brought to us by Element Pictures, is being described by those in the know as a “fun and filthy romance with heart.” It features former Harry Potter actor Melling as the initially unassuming Colin, who finds himself drawn into an intense, power-shifting dynamic with Skarsgård’s brooding biker character, Ray. Early reviews are already strong, with Pillion currently boasting a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes from its first twelve reviews.
The Word on The Croisette
It seems Pillion isn’t afraid to go there. Brian Tallerico from RogerEbert.com describes the film as “an examination of dom/sub culture through the lens of a sexually explicit relationship between two very different men.” He notes the specific rules Ray sets for Colin: “Colin will do the cooking. Colin will sleep on the floor. Colin will not sit on the couch. They will wrestle and have sex on Ray’s terms.” Tallerico adds, “He orders Colin to get a butt plug because he’s too tight, and Colin happily obliges. Before you know it, he’s got a shaved head and a chain with a lock around his neck.”
It certainly sounds like a film that will get people talking.
alexander skarsgård in thigh-high leather boots, oh i was not familiar with your game… pic.twitter.com/MX1opBDfsy
— slay boots (@shoe_gal1998) May 18, 2025
Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair calls Pillion “graphic”. While he clarifies it’s “far from hardcore,” he acknowledges that “no doubt some viewers will still be titillated or put off by the film’s depiction of gay sex and male anatomy, by the rough foreplay enjoyed between two consenting if, perhaps, not equally matched adults.”
Lawson believes this frankness is vital to the movie’s core message, stating, “mere coy hinting at the central matter would do disservice to the sentiment of the film.” He suggests Pillion leaves audiences with a significant question: “when does a willingly agreed-upon abnegation of autonomy become something less than consensual?” It’s a good question.
Kevin Spacey’s Controversial Return at Cannes
While Pillion was earning accolades, news emerged from an adjacent event regarding Kevin Spacey. It was reported that Spacey was to be honoured, a decision that has understandably raised eyebrows. During a speech at this Cannes event, Spacey reportedly compared his blacklisting from the film industry to that of screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. He also quoted Elton John, declaring, “I’m still standing.”
Kevin Spacey quotes his "friend" Elton John during a speech at #Cannes: "I'm still standing." pic.twitter.com/aadOkSJoZz
— Variety (@Variety) May 20, 2025
These statements come after his 2023 acquittal in a London court of all nine sexual offence charges against him. The jury found him not guilty of the charges, which included sexual assault and causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent.
The trial focused on allegations against Spacey involving four men between 2001 and 2013. According to The Guardian, Spacey denied the charges, claiming the allegations were “madness” and a “stab in the back.” He also stated he was a “big flirt” who had consensual encounters and made what he now considers clumsy passes.
