Folks may come to “Pillion” for what is seemingly a salacious film featuring internet weirdo boyfriend Alexander Skarsgård, but what kept me watching is a tender-hearted coming-of-age love story framed by a very unconventional relationship.

Harry Melling is Colin, an introverted young gay man who lives with his supportive parents and performs in a barbershop quartet at his local pub. Things take a turn when a biker gang stop into the pub one night, and he has a lust at first sight interaction with Ray (Skarsgård).

The two hit it off and enter into a dom-sub relationship, with Colin gradually getting more integrated into Ray’s biker gang lifestyle, including a new wardrobe and shaving off his bushy head of hair.

While most people would simply see this as Ray exploiting Colin, Colin really takes to it and Ray demonstrates how his lifestyle can be supportive in an unconventional way.

I did not know what to expect going into “Pillion,” but I was happy to discover that it is in fact a romantic dramedy unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, making it a solid choice for Valentine’s Day viewings this year.

Melling, Skarsgård and the supporting cast around them all give great performances, making this world seem very real.

Rating: 4/5