Sebastian *****

Starring: Ruaridh Mollica, Hiftu Quasem, Jonathan Hyde, Ingvar Sigurdsson 

Director: Mikko Mäkelä

Country: UK

UK Distributor: Peccadillo Pictures

In a real tonal shift from London-based Finnish director Mäkelä (A Moment In The Reeds), Sebastian is a dark and atmospheric look at the world of sex work from an almost anthropological standpoint, with a striking breakout performance from Mollica.

Max (Mollica) is an aspiring young writer. Freelancing at a literary publication, he is also writing a novel about a young sex worker on the side. His research for the character has led him to assume to role himself, creating an online profile and taking clients under the name “Sebastian”, recording his subsequent encounters as fiction. But as this persona grows, so too does its impact on reality, with Max struggling to reconcile these two opposing facets of his life.

The ultimate realisation of life imitating art, Max’s motives for continuing his “research” become increasingly ambiguous. His competing realities become the focus of the entire final act, but it’s Sebastian’s numerous encounters that make this such a compelling film. His clients are all older and maybe Max genuinely enjoys their company, or maybe he revels in being objectified, but whatever his reasons, the episodes with these men pendulum between tenderness, pure lust and even aggressive shame.

Ruaridh Mollica gives a striking performance, unafraid to be both objectified and vulnerable. As Sebastian he assumes the swagger of virility, while as Max his powerlessness is almost feeble. A complex character, Mollica gives this striking protagonist shades of complex grey that a less competent actor wouldn’t even acknowledge.

Films about sex work usually venture into its darker side – see Beach Rats or Sauvage, for example – but Sebastian’s darkness actually comes from the blackest recesses of Max’s own personality. This is a character drama first and foremost, using sex work to realise this character’s coming-of-age manifested through an alterego. Freud would have had a field day with this drama, but for the rest of us, it’s entertaining, intelligently complex and also indelibly sexy. A must-watch.

UK Release: 4th April 2025 in cinemas, released by Peccadillo

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