Alexander Skarsgård, whose moodboard for his new movie Pillion this is, turned up at the premiere of the film about BDSM and queer sexuality, wearing a T-shirt adorned with, an, erm, dildo.
The film centres on a power dynamic between two gay men, delving deep into a subculture that has often been sensationalised or misrepresented in mainstream media. Skarsgård acknowledged this history, reflecting on his past impressions shaped by films like Cruising, which depicted leather gay culture as dangerous and ominous. ‘I’m no Ray, but I have a little bit of experience from that world and I know that’s not the truthful depiction,’ he said. His intention with Pillion was to present a more authentic, nuanced view—one that humanises and respects the BDSM community rather than demonising it.
Pillion explores consent and emotional complexity within submissive relationships, breaking away from stereotypes and offering a fresh lens on kink. Director Harry Lighton’s approach emphasises character depth, with Skarsgård noting that the sex scenes were not gratuitous but integral to story and character development. He revealed that although much more explicit footage was filmed, the final edit pulled back from the most graphic moments to avoid alienating audiences, balancing authenticity with accessibility.
Skarsgård has also drawn attention for his method approach to embodying his character beyond the screen. At the Cannes Film Festival premiere earlier in the year, he wore leather pants and thigh-high boots, curated by stylist Harry Lambert, to reflect the film’s BDSM aesthetics and dominant biker persona. This sartorial commitment has sparked significant discussion on social media, praising Skarsgård for bringing visibility to queer leather culture in both his performance and public appearances.
The film also features performances from other notable queer figures, including Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, who spoke about his involvement in a communal scene portraying both explicitness and warmth. Shears highlighted the natural, non-performative physicality the director sought for the film’s honest depiction of intimacy.
While Pillion pushes boundaries in its portrayal of sexuality and kink, it also carefully crafts an emotionally resonant story. It attempts to dismantle taboos around submissive roles by presenting its characters with empathy and complexity, challenging preconceived notions about BDSM often perpetuated by previous media portrayals.
Alexander Skarsgård’s openness about his own experiences within the BDSM community, combined with his choice of provocative fashion, signals a broader cultural shift towards visibility and acceptance of diverse sexual identities and practices. This film is positioned not only as a narrative milestone but also as a cultural statement reflecting evolving attitudes around consent, desire, and queer intimacy.
[Image: Instagram]
Source: Noah Wire Services
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