Skarsgård: BDSM Rom-Com Challenged My Acting

Alexander Skarsgård embraced a new acting challenge with "Pillion," an independent British black comedy exploring a BDSM relationship. The film, adapted from Adam Mars-Jones' novel, features Skarsgård as Ray, a dominant biker, and Harry Melling as Colin, a timid gay man.

Skarsgård was intrigued by the project's unique premise and found the script to be "phenomenal," describing it as surprisingly sweet, tender, funny, and awkward. He noted that playing Ray, a laconic and emotionally reserved character, required a different approach than his previous roles, emphasizing suggestion and restraint to avoid portraying the character as flat.

The film, shot in South London, gained critical attention at the Cannes Film Festival, winning best screenplay in its section. Skarsgård discussed the intimate challenges of the role, including a wrestling scene that served as a key moment for developing the characters' dynamic on screen.