Sebastian

Sebastian

Year: 1968

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: David Greene

DramaRomanceComedy

A brilliant but undisciplined mathematics prodigy works in the British Intelligence “cipher bureau,” where he relentlessly cracks enemy codes. Amid the high‑stakes world of espionage, he also pursues a romance with his colleague Rebecca Howard, balancing his talent for decryption with a growing love.

Sebastian (1968) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Sebastian (1968) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In post‑war Britain, the quiet corridors of Oxford give way to a clandestine world where numbers hold the power to shift nations. Within the British Intelligence “cipher bureau,” a tight‑knit team of code‑breakers wrestles with secret messages, their work rendered urgent by the ever‑present threat of foreign espionage. The atmosphere blends the formality of civil service with the electric buzz of intellectual warfare, setting a stage where brilliance can be both a weapon and a liability.

Sebastian is the bureau’s most prodigious yet unruly mind, a mathematics genius whose restless curiosity drives him to pry open the most stubborn enemy ciphers. His brilliance is matched only by his disregard for routine, and his aloof demeanor masks a deeper yearning for purpose beyond the equations. Across the same hall, Rebecca Howard arrives—a former Oxford math student turned model—whose quick wit and instinctive boldness immediately challenge the bureau’s decorum. Their collision is as much intellectual as it is personal, sparking a partnership that promises both collaboration and complication.

The decoding office itself is a microcosm of the era’s social currents: an all‑female squad of specialists, overseen by a hierarchy that includes the skeptical Gen. Phillips and the seasoned senior decoder Elsa Shahn, whose left‑leaning views add a layer of political tension. Within this environment, the relentless pursuit of hidden patterns intertwines with the subtle negotiations of power, loyalty, and ambition, creating an undercurrent of intrigue that hums beneath every keystroke.

Against this backdrop, the story balances the sharp edge of espionage with the softer, more unpredictable currents of romance. As Sebastian and Rebecca navigate the demands of their demanding vocation, they must reconcile the pull of duty with the promise of a deeper connection, leaving the audience to wonder how far intellect—and affection—will carry them in a world where every secret decoded could reshape the future.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 23:19

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High-stakes code-breaking missions intertwined with a complex office romance.If you enjoyed the blend of code-breaking tension and romantic drama in Sebastian, you'll find similar stories here. These movies feature brilliant minds in high-stakes professions navigating complicated love stories, often set against a backdrop of Cold War intrigue or modern security threats.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on a character whose unique intellect is both their greatest asset and their biggest burden. They are placed in a high-stakes situation where their skills are essential, but the pressure creates significant personal and professional conflict. The journey explores the cost of genius and the human need for connection amidst immense responsibility.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Sebastian

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