From repressive military regimes in I’m Still Here to funny French teenage delinquents in Holy Cow, readers pick films that have moved them this year
Read more of the best culture of 2025 so far
Sebastian is about an aspiring writer, Max, who lives a double life as a sex worker. It’s gritty and somewhat shocking, insofar as it’s not a highly discussed topic in film, yet it is also very tender. I watched it on a rainy Saturday afternoon without knowing anything about it. I was immediately hooked by how normal Max’s life was and intrigued by his decision to set up an online escort profile under the name of his alter ego, Sebastian, for the purpose of his novel, in which he details his varied sexual experiences. The film addresses issues such as shame, authenticity in fiction and consent with a refreshing lack of judgment on the topic of sex work. Ruaridh Mollica is fantastic as Max/Sebastian and I can’t wait to see him in more films. Ann-Marie, Glasgow
Blue Road is an engrossing and hugely enjoyable documentary of Edna O’Brien’s enigmatic life of dizzying highs and haunting lows. Beautifully edited, it ultimately depicts how emotionally vulnerable we all are, regardless of any public persona. It’s a wonderful, inspirational documentary for any would-be writer or artist who wishes to stay true to their vision and who craves a life less ordinary. O’Brien rattled all the right cages all the time. At the height of her fame, she returns to County Clare and listens to her father sing Danny Boy. She stares at him with a stoical yet fearful expression – a powerfully resonant image. Edna, 93, watches it and loves that song. It reminded me of the Smiths song Back to the Old House. And, funnily enough, I noticed her image this week in a review of a Morrissey concert. He is using Edna as a backdrop on stage. What a woman she was. Ron, London
