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Sebastian
2024 110 min United Kingdom, Belgium, Finland 18+
★6.8
Drama
Director: Mikko Mäkelä
Trailers
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Description
Max is a 25-year-old freelance writer and aspiring novelist who seems well on his way to success in London’s cultural spheres. Yet by night, he finds a different kind of exhilaration as a sex worker with the pseudonym Sebastian, meeting men via an escorting platform. Max uses his experiences as Sebastian to fuel his stories and the worthy debut novel that he has been longing to write, finally seems within reach.
US Gross:
$65,636
Starring
Ruaridh Mollica
Actor
Hiftu Quasem
Actor
Jonathan Hyde
Actor
Awards
Sundance Film Festival 2024
— Grand Jury Prize – Drama (World Cinema)
Key opinion
Sebastian explores the blurred lines between personal identity and professional voyeurism, though it suffers from significant narrative shortcomings. While the film attempts to offer an intimate look at its protagonist's life, it is ultimately hindered by a disjointed script and an underdeveloped central character.
| Acting | Ruaridh Mollica's performance is criticized for relying heavily on his physical appearance rather than conveying emotional depth. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is hampered by implausible plot developments and inconsistent character motivations that undermine the narrative's credibility. | |
| Theme | The film leans on outdated or shallow tropes, failing to deliver the nuanced cultural critique it aims for. | |
| Emotion | Views on the film's success in capturing intimacy are divided; some find the portrayals refreshingly honest, while others feel the interactions are marred by the film's broader structural flaws. |