The Espoo Ciné Recommends series continues with a special preview screening of the buzzed-about film Pillion at Kino Tapiola on Thursday, 12 February 2026 at 5:15 PM! Tickets are available from Kino Tapiola’s online store.
Harry Lighton’s bold and bracing Pillion, which caused a stir in Cannes, follows the routine-bound life of shy hearth-sitter Colin (Harry Melling, known from the Harry Potter films), who still lives with his parents. Working as a parking attendant, Colin is completely thrown off his everyday tracks when he meets the roughly charismatic biker Ray (Alexander Skarsgård) in a pub. Colin’s submissive insecurity is exactly what Ray desires. In the role, Skarsgård is like a macho figure stepped straight out of a Tom of Finland drawing, exuding a sexually charged and dangerous allure scented with aftershave and gasoline. The depiction of their master-and-servant relationship at times ventures into very explicit BDSM territory. This exploration of identity and power is also a black comedy and a coming-of-age story where pain and pleasure, leather and latex collide. From here begins a story that is just as much about love as it is about finding oneself. (Timo Kuismin, Chair of the Board, Espoo Ciné)
Pillion is a unique feel-good black comedy about an unconventional love affair. The film, which had its world premiere in Cannes, is one of the hottest talking points of the awards season.