Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey, a sex and intimacy coach, is featured in a new article by The Guardian discussing the BDSM film "Pillion," which stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård. The film, a debut feature from British writer-director Harry Lighton, explores a gay BDSM relationship.

"Pillion" Explores BDSM Dynamics

The Guardian article, titled "BDSM on Screen Used to Just Mean a Gimp in the Basement: The Kink Community’s Verdict on ‘Pillion'," was written by journalist Barry Levitt. It examines reactions to the graphic indie film, which premiered in Cannes last May and is set to open in US cinemas next week. The film has been described by The Guardian as blending deadpan British humor with daring sadomasochistic elements, likening it to "50 shades of BDSM Wallace and Gromit."

Dr. Bisbey, identified as a sex and intimacy coach, was quoted in The Guardian's piece, offering her perspective on the emotional power dynamics between the two main characters in "Pillion." She praised the A24 film for its realism and bold sexuality, stating, "‘Pillion’ feels very true to its roots as a movie about leather." Dr. Bisbey further commented, "As a leatherwoman, I thought it was absolutely brilliant. I loved the tension, and it’s funny as hell. It’s also incredibly hot. The sex in this movie is so impressive. It looked incredibly real. It’s raw, and that will challenge a lot of people."

The film is based on Adam Mars-Jones's 2020 novel "Box Hill." "Pillion" traces the evolving relationship between Colin, played by Melling, a timid gay man, and Ray, played by Skarsgård, a handsome, leather-clad stranger. The narrative begins with Ray spotting Colin in a south London pub and slipping him a note. Their first date, on Christmas Day, involves Ray instructing Colin to lick his boots outside a Primark store and then perform a sex act. This interaction establishes Ray as the imperious dominant, or "dom," who controls Colin.

Divided Opinions on the Film

While some have hailed "Pillion" as "charming" and "feel-good," its portrayal of a sadomasochistic relationship has also generated division. The BBC Culture article, "‘Sweet and tender’ or ‘like abuse’? Why gay BDSM ‘romcom’ Pillion is dividing opinion," by Nick Levine, highlights this divergence. The article notes that Ray, portrayed by Skarsgård, remains an enigmatic figure throughout the film, and his lack of communication with Colin, played by Melling, could be interpreted as unhealthy.

Dr. Bisbey, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, is known for her work as a psychologist and an Advanced GSRD Therapist. Her professional background includes expertise in sexuality, intimacy, relationship dynamics, trauma, and alternative lifestyles. She is described as a dynamic and engaging speaker on these topics, creating a safe space for exploration of desire, sexuality, and human behavior. Dr. Bisbey is available for keynote addresses, breakout sessions, experiential workshops, and erotic field trips.

Dr. Bisbey's Expertise

Dr. Bisbey's professional profile emphasizes her ability to make complex subjects like sex, sexuality, intimacy, relationships, and trauma accessible. She is described as bold, irreverent, fun, and funny, with a powerful and purposeful personality that engages audiences. Her approach blends deep educational roots with extensive experience as a sex and intimacy coach. Laura Cathcart Robbins of The Only One in the Room Podcast praised Dr. Bisbey, stating, "I just had to circle back and let you know how much we enjoyed our interview with Dr. Lori. So much so in fact that we called an audible midway and changed it from a 30-minute interview to a 45-minute interview plus a Scott talks (a companion segment that drops the following day). She's fantastic."

The feature in The Guardian, published on December 8, 2025, at 4:44 PM PST, further solidifies Dr. Bisbey's presence in discussions surrounding sexuality and BDSM in media. She can be followed on X.com.

Key Facts

  • Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey is featured in The Guardian's article about the BDSM film "Pillion."
  • "Pillion" stars Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård and is a debut feature from British writer-director Harry Lighton.
  • The Guardian article, "BDSM on Screen Used to Just Mean a Gimp in the Basement: The Kink Community’s Verdict on ‘Pillion'," was written by Barry Levitt.
  • Dr. Bisbey, a sex and intimacy coach, praised the A24 film's realism and bold sexuality, calling it "absolutely brilliant."
  • "Pillion" is based on Adam Mars-Jones's 2020 novel "Box Hill" and explores a gay BDSM relationship.
  • The film premiered in Cannes last May and is scheduled to open in US cinemas next week.