This film involves a thorough examination of feelings. It is very psychological and there are moments that are hard to handle. Sebastian is an odyssey of a young writer who is trying to go deeper with his creativity. As he is trying to navigate his journey, there are dark secrets in his personal life. Written and directed by Mikko Makela, Sebastian is deep and realistic when it comes to mental consequences. From the performance of Ruaridh Mollica (as the main character Max), Sebastian portrays how sensitive humans can be based on judgment, choices, and morals. Sebastian leaves its audience asking, why take all the risks to lead a more authentic life?

Sebastian focuses on a young writer named Max who is in histwenties and lives in London. He is an aspiring writer with a gift for words as well as examining human thoughts in everyday society. He gets lots of recognition, and even a book contract due to his talent and connection. How does Max find the words to create such real moments in his stories?

After hours, Max finds himself working as a gay escort. His exploration of dangerous voyeurism helps him detail his characters’ stories. Sebastian is the name of Max’s character in his story. Max is this individual in the real-world, and Sebastian is his fictionalized character.

Max’s life finds him repeatedly in detrimental situations. The writing of the film gets more questionable as Max keeps having sexual encounters with other guys. He does this so he can keep growing and detailing his story. On the other hand, these activities are messing with his thought process. It’s a powerhouse of struggles where sexuality keeps leading to more obsessive and disconnect. Max’s colleague Amna (played by Hiftu Quasem) senses Max is not in a good mental head space because his performance and aptitude with his writing schedule gradually deteriorate. Are frequent sexual encounters becoming a higher priority than Max’s day job?

There is a point where Max feels a sense of warmth from one of his encounters. This involves an individual named Nicholas (played by Jonathan Hyde). He begins to realize that Max is much better on the inside than what he is doing to dig deeper into his research. Because Nicholas shares the same interests and aspirations as Max, he sees a better way for Max. The roller coaster ride of behaviors creates a life where fulfillment comes with many risks—the more risqué the choices, the deeper the story. Max’s emotions are inevitable—his sadness, anger, rage, confusion, and eagerness all lead to turmoil and have an impact. Sebastian sends a heavy reminder that life’s challenges require tolerance and reflection.

Max’s does not consider the irreparable consequences. While creating a reputation for himself, his sexuality and research tactics may be beneficial. However, his encounters are messing with his head and get to the point where he finds himself losing valuables. For those who work in jobs that require research and persistence, the direction of Sebastian reminds us how to think more realistically about the lengths we should go to create a story. Sebastian leaves painful feelings that are engrossing. The slippery slope only gets steeper as Max’s writing assignments keep falling short which leads to more disconnect and additional shady behaviors to detail in his novel. Can Max find a new approach?

Sebastian is daring and will haunt audiences. Artistry and truth meld and boggle in this film. The story results in a boiling pot of destruction that makes us ask why we are human. There is a narrative path that evokes real empathy yet requires mental tolerance. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.