‘Sebastian’ Leads Guardian Readers’ Best Films of 2025 So Far

Remember when British indie films were all about council estates and kitchen sinks? Well, 2025’s giving us something properly different. Guardian readers have been absolutely buzzing about ‘Sebastian’, a raw yet tender exploration of double lives that’s got everyone talking over their morning coffee.

Breaking New Ground in British Cinema

There’s something beautifully honest about how ‘Sebastian’ tackles its provocative premise. When I caught it at a packed screening in Brixton last month, you could’ve heard a pin drop – and that’s saying something for a London audience! The film follows Max (played by the brilliant Ruaridh Mollica), an aspiring writer who creates an escort profile under the alias Sebastian to gather material for his novel.

But here’s the thing – it’s not the shock factor that’s got everyone gripped. It’s the startling normality of Max’s world, the mundane cups of tea between clients, the laptop sessions in Costa Coffee, the everyday bits that make this story feel so real. Mollica’s performance is proper masterclass stuff – subtle, nuanced, and totally deserving of all the BAFTA buzz it’s generating.

From Page to Screen: Writing Raw Truth

What sets ‘Sebastian’ apart from your typical “writer writing about writing” film (and let’s face it, we’ve had enough of those) is its refreshing take on authenticity in fiction. Ann-Marie from Glasgow hit the nail on the head in her Guardian review when she praised the film’s judgment-free approach to sex work.

The film asks some proper challenging questions: How far would you go for your art? When does research become reality? And most importantly, can you separate the writer from the writing?

2025’s Most Surprising Cinema Success

While ‘I’m Still Here’ tackles military oppression and ‘Holy Cow’ brings French teen hijinks to our screens, ‘Sebastian’ carves out its own unique space in 2025’s film landscape. It’s that rare beast – a film that manages to be both commercially successful (it’s already topped 2 million at the UK box office) and critically acclaimed.

FAQ: Your ‘Sebastian’ Questions Answered

Is ‘Sebastian’ based on a true story?

While the film draws from various real-life experiences, the character of Max/Sebastian is fictional. However, the screenwriter conducted extensive interviews with both writers and sex workers to ensure authenticity.

Where can I watch ‘Sebastian’?

The film is currently showing in independent cinemas across the UK and will be available on MUBI from September 2025.

Who is Ruaridh Mollica?

Mollica is a Scottish actor who trained at RADA. ‘Sebastian’ marks his first leading role, though you might have spotted him in last year’s BBC drama ‘The Silent Hour’.

The Verdict: A New British Classic?

In a year that’s already given us some absolute belters, ‘Sebastian’ stands out for its brave, unflinching look at creativity, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves. It’s exactly the kind of film British cinema needs right now – bold, thoughtful, and unafraid to wade into complicated waters.

Whether you’re a film buff, a wannabe writer, or just someone who loves a good story well told, ‘Sebastian’ deserves your attention. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself staring at your laptop afterwards, wondering about your own hidden stories waiting to be told.

Share your thoughts on ‘Sebastian’ in the comments below. Has a film ever made you question the line between art and experience?