Shy Colin (Harry Melling) more or less literally whistles up alpha male biker Ray (Alexander Skarsgård) when, on his way to a pub for a barbershop quartet performance with his family, he sees Ray go racing past their car on his motorcycle. Later, sitting in a corner and writing letters, Ray seems not to notice as Colin and his family as they do their set, nor when Colin wanders around with a hat, taking donations. But Ray definitely takes stock of Colin when he sidles up to the bar to make an order for himself and his biker friends, and he all but demands — with nothing more than a stare — that Colin pay for the round. Perhaps it’s a test, because no sooner has Colin acquiesced than Ray scribbles his number on a scrap of paper.

Thrilled to have drawn the attention of someone as unearthly handsome as Ray, Colin meets up with him for a Christmas Night tryst that takes the form not of a proper date but, rather, a back-alley blowjob. Colin’s form may be lacking, but his eagerness to please (which extends to licking Ray’s boots) does something for Ray; despite initially telling Colin he’s “not around much,” Ray shows up a few nights later at Colin’s house, endures a cursory exchange with Colin’s supportive (but overly protective) parents, and then roars off into the night with Colin on the back of his bike. At Ray’s place — a fairly Spartan flat — Harry is dropped, with little explanation and no small talk, into what will become the routine for their relationship: He prepares dinner while Ray watches television, then stands by mutely as Ray eats on the sofa, his dog next to him, and finally sleeps on the floor at the foot of Ray’s bed.

Ray, in other words, might be stunning to look at but he’s not exactly cuddly. He makes up for this amply, though, partly with his Prince Albert-sporting manhood (be prepared for an eyeful!) but also with a generous and fun-loving streak. A session of erotic wrestling epitomizes the good times; Colin’s singlet is assless, making for easy access when the grappling turns steamy. Eventually Colin becomes one of the gang, literally, as Ray folds him into the biker club, outfitting him with leather gear, a short haircut, and a padlocked chain around his neck.

Mum and Dad, needless to say, are worried. Mum being terminally ill, Colin uses a little emotional blackmail to coax Ray into joining his parents for dinner despite Ray’s warning that it’s “not a good idea.” Ray is correct: No sooner has Ray complimented her on her gravy than Mum gives it to Ray with both barrels, upbraiding him for the way he treats Colin and calling him a “creep.” Ray is not a bit cowed by her wrath, but when Colin stands up from the table and storms off, he follows. But it’s not like her questions and concerns aren’t warranted. Who is Ray? Where does he come from? What does he want?

Ray’s taciturn affect and sometimes stern way of relating to Colin are counterbalanced by a caring nature, and he sometimes shows Colin tender solicitude: A camping trip with the whole biker group for his birthday, a calm and steady strength when Colin is undone by grief after his mother’s passing. As time goes by, Colin learns to stand up for himself and communicate his needs and wishes. Ray isn’t always pleased when Colin asks for things, but he’s not denying Colin anything out of cruelty or neglect; when Colin acts out in frustration, Ray shows a capacity to be flexible. But he’s clear about one crucial thing: This is not a love affair.

Of course, it is. Colin worships Ray, and Ray’s increasing tenderness toward Colin looks an awful lot like love. The question becomes how, and whether, that love can continue once it’s no longer something that can be ignored. For Ray, living on his own terms is effortless; he’s a natural leader with unshakable confidence. What is so intimidating about falling in love? For Colin, by contrast, love and adoration are essential to his being. He has — so Ray observes — “a talent for devotion.” He’s as loyal and solicitous dressed in leather as not, and he need not hide a bit himself. That, the film seems to say, is the true nature of power.

Pillion is now in limited release in theaters around the country. For more information, visit the A24 website.

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