Key Points
- Pillion, starring Alexander Skarsgård, currently holds a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score based on 82 critic reviews.
- The film marks the directorial debut of Harry Lighton, praised for bold storytelling and nuanced perspective.
- Critics highlight the movie’s unique take on relationships, blending edgy themes with heartfelt self-discovery.
- Skarsgård’s performance has been singled out as expressive and career-defining, with strong support from co-stars.
- The film is already being hailed as one of the best releases of the year ahead of its theatrical debut.
Critical Acclaim Before Release
Alexander Skarsgård’s latest project, Pillion, has become one of the most talked-about films of early 2026, earning a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The rare achievement comes from 82 reviews by top critics, signaling strong momentum ahead of its theatrical rollout.
A Bold Directorial Debut
The film is the first feature directed by Harry Lighton, who has been praised for his confident storytelling and fresh perspective. Rotten Tomatoes’ Critics Consensus describes Pillion as “a remarkable directorial debut… nonjudgmental in its approach and powered by knockout performances.”
Critics Weigh In
Reactions from leading critics have been overwhelmingly positive:
- Katie Walsh (Tribune News Service) called the film “edgy and explicit” yet universal, noting its core is a love story about self-acceptance.
- Kristen Lopez (The Film Maven) graded it A-, describing it as “funny, relatable, romantic, and one of the best films of the year.”
- Edward Douglas (The Weekend Warrior) gave it 9/10, praising its writing, direction, and performances.
- Melissa Anderson (4Columns) likened it to a “sub/dom rom-com” with sharp character development.
- Joey Magidson (Awards Radar) scored it 3.5/4, calling it “an impeccably acted romantic comedy like you’ve never seen before.”
- Patrick Cavanaugh (The Wolfman Cometh) rated it 4/5, describing it as “a sexy and silly journey of self-discovery.”
Skarsgård’s Standout Performance
Alexander Skarsgård’s portrayal of Ray has been widely praised. Justin Chang (The New Yorker) noted that the actor “wrings dom-com gold from emotional intransigence, making limitations remarkably expressive.”
Peter Bradshaw (The Guardian) compared the film favorably to Fifty Shades of Grey, while David Rooney (The Hollywood Reporter) highlighted co-star Harry Melling’s performance as a breakthrough moment.
Context: Why It Matters
A 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is rare, especially for a debut feature. The acclaim positions Pillion as a potential awards-season contender and reinforces Skarsgård’s reputation for taking risks with unconventional roles.
What Happens Next?
With critical buzz building, Pillion heads into its theatrical debut with strong momentum. If audience reactions mirror early reviews, the film could emerge as one of 2026’s most celebrated releases, solidifying Lighton as a director to watch and Skarsgård as a leading force in bold, character-driven cinema.
