"Sebastian" is the enthralling tale of a young, ambitious writer named Max (Ruaridh Mollica), who explores his unrestrained desire to pen a bestselling debut novel. Max, known for his intelligence and passion for literature, alienates colleagues and friends with his brash confidence and his reassured belief that he knows better than his editors.
Max takes on a perilous expedition for inspiration, embodying the alter ego, Sebastian, infumbles into the world of a job threatening his safety. This attempt portrays an immersive view into a radical side of this industry, revealing stories from different clients. However, his pursuit of art is fraught with dire realities.
As Sebastian navigates his precarious new life, Max also wrestles with the publishing industry's demands and societal expectations pushing him towards becoming a renowned author.
The gripping narrative, crafted by Mikko Mäkelä, puts a spotlight on Max’s overwhelming ambition, sometimes overshadowing his writing diligence and leaving him isolated from others. Despite the daring path Max undertakes, Ruaridh Mollica’s performance thoughtfully illuminates the character’s vulnerability and insecurities under the guise of his strong exterior, particularly in his scenes with older clients seeking companionship.
Mäkelä’s thought-provoking plot tiptoes around the tragic queer story stereotype, subtly displaying Max's internal struggle and uncertainties. The film’s aesthetic is beautifully constructed with a dark color palette, embodying a sense of dread and impending danger, complimenting Max's thrilling undertakings.
"Sebastian", a reaction to Mäkelä's debut “A Moment in the Reeds,” offers a intricate view of a young artist's quest-tangling with fame, rejection, and the perils of using personal encounters for public gain. The film's poignant yet heartrending narrative allows us to vicariously experience the highs and lows, the yearning, and the quiet moments of intrigue, desire, and pain of chasing success at any cost.
