Recxpectations: Pillion

Google Synopsis: Colin, a timid man, meets Ray, a confident biker gang leader, who initiates him into a submissive relationship, challenging Colin's mundane existence and prompting personal growth through their unconventional dynamic.

EXPECT: OLD STORY IN NEW CLOTHES
Pillion is pretty much a standard romance - when you break down the beats - but it feels different because the couple is engaged in BDSM and the fish out of water moments are two sex acts. Film critics seem to love the storytelling but, personally, I found that - once you get over the BDSM angle - the story itself isn’t all that compelling.

DON’T EXPECT: MUCH DEPTH
Again, I felt that this film hit the usual notes of a romance but, again, I didn’t find much beyond that. Alexander Skarsgård’s character is a sphinx. Harry Melling’s character dives in 100%. There’s a disapproving mother, which I had the most trouble with because her disapproval wasn’t defined enough for me. We never see the BDSM angle explained so I wasn’t sure if she disapprove of the lifestyle or was in the dark about why her son was in a controlling relationship (which any parent should raise a red flag if they see.)
Similarly, there isn’t really much talk about the whole BDSM culture and the trials and travails people go through. I feel like standard issue romances show more hurdles for someone to join the new crowd their partner runs with.

I don’t know. I am just not seeing what the critics saw with this one. I guess treating BDSM in a non-judgmental way deserves some credit but I just wish there was more to the relationships. Then again, romance is not my genre so maybe it hit the right notes to a song I just don’t care about.