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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Sebastian (1968)

Trace every key event in Sebastian (1968) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Becky encounters Sebastian on Oxford street

Sebastian rushes through Oxford toward the honorary degree ceremony when he runs into model Becky Howard. She insults him on the spot, yet her curiosity persists as she follows him to the ceremony. This unexpected meeting plants the seed for Becky's future in the civil service.

Day of the ceremony Oxford, England
2

Becky proves herself and gets a number

Becky is able to spell her name backwards, catching Sebastian's attention and signaling her sharp mind. He gives her a phone number to call if she wants the job. The moment marks the beginning of Becky's path toward a secret career.

Same day as encounter Ceremony vicinity, Oxford
3

Becky lands the decoding office interview

Becky performs well in the difficult interview and learns the job is with the all-female decoding office directed by Sebastian. She discovers that the role involves deciphering codes used by secret agents and foreign spies. The interview confirms a surprising and influential career path ahead.

Shortly after ceremony British Intelligence offices
4

Becky settles in and admires the director

After settling into the decoding team, Becky becomes infatuated with the aloof director. The office dynamics become colored by her growing feelings, even as the work remains demanding and precise. The personal tension begins to intersect with professional life.

Shortly after joining British Intelligence decoding office
5

Shahn security risk debated

General Phillips accuses Elsa Shahn of security risk due to left-wing leanings. Sebastian argues for her retention, highlighting her value to the operation. The clash underscores political pressures within the intelligence community.

Early in tenure Head of Intelligence / decoding office
6

Becky seduces Sebastian; he leaves Carol

Becky pursues and seduces Sebastian, who begins to drift from his established life. He ultimately leaves his girlfriend, the washed-up pop singer Carol Fancy. The personal life conflict deepens the emotional stakes for both of them.

During Becky's pursuit Office and Sebastian's personal life
7

Sixties tensions and leaks

The office is swept up in the era's atmosphere as Becky's feelings collide with Sebastian's addiction to work. Elsa Shahn’s left-wing connections raise concerns of leaks to a political organization. The environment becomes increasingly volatile as loyalties are tested.

Swinging Sixties period Office
8

Confrontation leads to resignation

Phillips confronts the security breach, and Becky accidentally reveals their relationship to the office. Sebastian resigns from the post, breaks up with Becky, and returns to Oxford. The fallout reshapes their lives and the team dynamics.

After confrontation Intelligence office
9

Return to service with pension condition

Months later, the Head of Intelligence asks Sebastian to return temporarily to help decipher signals from a Russian satellite. He agrees only if Elsa Shahn receives a full pension, signaling a cautious compromise between duty and personal loyalty.

Months later Intelligence offices
10

Becky, Carol and Toby trap

While looking for Becky, Sebastian runs into Carol and is invited to her apartment. He is drugged with LSD and lured to the rooftop by Toby, Carol's lover who is secretly a foreign agent. General Phillips intervenes, saves him, and Toby is arrested.

During the search for Becky Carol's apartment and building rooftop
11

Reunion: fatherhood revealed

Sebastian finds Becky and learns that he is the father of her newborn baby. He openly admits his love for her, signaling a renewed personal stake in their collaboration. The discovery deepens their bond and the stakes of their work.

After Toby's arrest Becky's location
12

Baby's rattle sparks the Soviet signal

A noise from the baby’s rattle provides Sebastian with a crucial clue to the Soviet signal. Becky assists as he begins decoding the signal in her living room, reigniting their professional partnership. The domestic setting becomes the unlikely hub of international intrigue.

Immediately after reunion Becky's living room

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 09:54

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Sebastian Summary

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Sebastian Summary

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