Director Mikko Mäkelä and actor Ruaridh Mollica’s new movie, “Sebastian,” follows Max, a 25-year-old journalist in London who becomes an escort on a gay hookup app under the persona “Sebastian.” As Max/Sebastian, he forms a tender friendship with a retired professor while navigating the challenges of maintaining his double life. The film explores themes of self-acceptance, overcoming fears, and empowerment within the context of sex work.
Mäkelä was inspired to create “Sebastian” after noticing the rise of sex workers thriving in the gig economy through apps like OnlyFans. He wanted to challenge misconceptions about sex work, portraying it as an empowered choice rather than a last resort. Actor Mollica saw his character’s journey of identity change and self-acceptance as reflective of his own experiences in London. The film’s intimate scenes were carefully choreographed with an intimacy coordinator, leading to a safe and enjoyable filming experience for Mollica.
While early reviews of “Sebastian” have been mixed, both Mollica and Mäkelä are poised to see their Hollywood profiles rise as a result of the film. Mollica has lined up future projects including a comedy for HBO and a drama for Disney+. Mäkelä plans to work on a new film set in 1980s London during the peak of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, continuing his exploration of queer history and stories that couldn’t be told at the time. He aims for viewers to discover that fears and passions remain constant throughout history.
“Sebastian” delves into themes of self-acceptance, empowerment, and overcoming fears through its portrayal of a journalist turned sex worker navigating a double life in London. Director Mikko Mäkelä sought to challenge stereotypes about sex work, presenting it as a choice that can be empowering rather than exploitative. Lead actor Ruaridh Mollica saw parallels between his character’s journey and his own experiences in London, embracing his queerness and exploring his identity through the film.
The intimate scenes in “Sebastian” were carefully choreographed with an intimacy coordinator to ensure a safe and comfortable filming environment for Mollica and his co-stars. Despite the challenges of shooting these scenes, Mollica found them to be enjoyable and even meditative, allowing for a sense of connection and authenticity on screen. The film’s exploration of themes like self-acceptance and self-discovery resonates with Mollica’s personal experiences in London.
As “Sebastian” hits theaters, Mollica and Mäkelä are set to see a boost in their Hollywood profiles, with upcoming projects on the horizon for both. Mollica has secured roles in a comedy for HBO and a drama for Disney+, while Mäkelä plans to delve into queer history further with a film set during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in 1980s London. By uncovering untold stories and exploring universal themes, Mäkelä aims to connect viewers with the fears and passions that have persisted throughout history.
