‘Harry Potter’ Star’s Controversial X-Rated Role Shocks Fans—But Earns Unexpected 8-Minute Standing Ovation
Harry Potter actor Harry Melling co-stars with Alexander Skarsgård in Pillion
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Image credits: Marc Piasecki/FilmMagic
“As Colin steps deeper into Ray’s world of rules and mysteries, he begins to question whether the life of a 24/7 submissive is for him. Has he found his calling, or simply swapped one form of suffocation for another?”
Following the climax of the Harry Lighton-directed film, which was screened in the Un Certain Regard section, the theater erupted into a lengthy standing ovation. Alexander, thrilled by the positive response, was seen planting a kiss on Pedro Pascal’s cheek.
Image credits: Hulu
The movie, which features several explicit intimate scenes, received positive reviews from critics.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote: “Both Melling and Skarsgård show an intimate understanding of how the power dynamic between their characters works, but what gives Pillion its kick is the friction sparked when Colin starts wanting more.”
Indie Wire said the biker romance film “outdoes Babygirl in its graphic and psychologically complex portrayal of an aloof leather-clad biker and his devoted submissive.”
Meanwhile, Deadline wrote that “Skarsgård understood the assignment, slipping seamlessly into his role as the s*xually dominant yet elusive Ray, who’s fearless in communicating his every desire, but emotionally closed off to any real intimacy as the leader of a gay biker gang.”
The X-rated film premiered over the weekend at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received an eight-minute standing ovation
Image credits: IMDB
PILLION just premiered to a rapturous reception, the clapping is still going onnnn 🙌 #Cannespic.twitter.com/jO0X1dZtWB
— Ben Rolph @ Cannes 2025 (@TheDCTVshow) May 18, 2025
