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Ruaridh Mollica Stars in the Film that Dives into the Double Life of a London Writer and Sex Worker
Photos courtesy of Kino Lorber
Kino Lorber will present SEBASTIAN, a provocative psychological queer drama by Director Mikko Mäkelä, starring Ruaridh Mollica. Mäkelä’s sophomore feature, Sebastian, had its world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at Sundance Film Festival 2024 before presenting in some of the top LGTBQ Film Festivals, including New Fest Pride in New York City, Inside Out in Toronto, and Frameline in San Francisco. SEBASTIAN will open on August 30 in Denver at the Sie Film Center.
Max is a 25-year-old writer living in London and paying his dues working at a literary magazine. On the cusp of finding success in the local lit scene, by night, Max moonlights as a sex worker in order to research his debut novel. What begins as a few furtive meetings soon becomes a secret nocturnal life as his alter ego, “Sebastian.” In a fearless lead performance from newcomer Ruraridh Mollica, Max’s emotions cycle through ecstasy, shame, and exhilarating liberation. Far from simply informing his autobiographical fiction, Max’s experiences as Sebastian awaken a deeper sense of self, unshackled from societal expectations – all the while threatening his carefully earned status in the literary community. This Sundance Film Festival selection from writer-director Mikko Mäkelä explores the transgressive power of queer sexuality and the transformative impact that can result from embracing a new identity.
