There are a lot of exciting scenes in Pillion, from writer-director Harry Lighton, that break the mold of a cinematic romance. In this meet-cute between sub-in-training Colin (Harry Melling) and mysterious dom Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), there’s bootlicking, an alley blowjob, penetrative wrestling, and a memorable picnic table sequence involving a gay biker gang.
Yet for me, the most groundbreaking (and perhaps daring) aspect of Pillion is its portrayal of family. While the viewer may sometimes question Ray’s treatment of Colin, there’s never any doubt that Colin’s parents love him. They set him up on a date with a man, lend him a leather jacket for his first outing with Ray, and even invite his dom over for dinner. Above all, they want him to be happy, which is an element that sets Pillion apart in the BDSM canon. (We’ve come a long way from Cruising!)
“You’ll be covered in syrup,” promises Skarsgård in our cover story featuring him, Melling, and Lighton on page 34. “It’s a love story, and there are universal elements that appeal to people who are not a part of the subculture.”
This is Out’s Entertainment Issue. And it’s worth reflecting on how projects like Pillion, and the movie stars involved, have the power to move hearts and minds. When Cruising came out in 1980, gay activists decried the Al Pacino starrer and what they saw as the film’s linking of S&M subculture with violence. Syrup is a much better sweetener, of course, and this new project’s ability to subvert expectations and give heart and humanity to Colin imbues it with real power for good.
We have other LGBTQ+ stars and good-deed doers breaking into the mainstream this issue. Mika is back with a new album and tour, which seeks to recenter the importance of connection and community (page 18). Bob the Drag Queen, one of the busiest alumni of RuPaul’s Drag Race, is making their Broadway debut as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical — while somehow finding time to host a Traitors podcast with Boston Rob (page 20). And Erin Kellyman, one of the stars of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, charts her decade-long rise to helming big Hollywood franchises (page 26).
In the events world, the LGBTQ+ stars all came out for our Out100 celebration; check out pics from L.A.’s big queer night as well as highlights from NewFest’s film festival on the other coast (page 10). And while you’re waiting for the celebs to walk the Oscars red carpet, peruse 2025’s standout films and performances, as selected by Out’s editors (page 16). There’s a lot to enjoy from this year’s nominees.
Can you believe it’s January? To start 2026 on the right foot, trainer Landyn Pan offers fitness and nutrition tips, as well as a killer arm workout (page 29). Last Call columnist Alexander Cheves goes down the rabbit hole to see if mushrooms could offer some help for those with meth addiction (page 60). Finance columnist and Money Proud author Nick Wolny offers best practices for saving and investment (page 22). And Out Traveler profiles stellar LGBTQ+ resorts to visit this year — as well as a few European cities to boot (page 48).
We know times are tough, dear reader. Affordability is down, anti-LGBTQ+ stigma is on the rise, and fresh hell of all varieties is unleashed every day from Washington, D.C. We hope your time with us provides some sweet relief. And in the meantime, if anyone tries to devalue you for who you are and love? Well, to borrow a line from Skarsgård, “They’re fucking idiots.”
Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Daniel Reynolds
Editor in Chief, Out magazine @dnlreynolds
This article is part of OUT’s Jan-Feb 2026 print issue, which hits newsstands January 27. Support queer media and subscribe — or download the issue through Apple News+, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader.
