Picture courtesy of Sebastien Skubala
As we recently reported, the sun-soaked new rom-com You, Always is officially making its global debut on Netflix! Set against the stunning backdrop of Australia’s Far North Queensland, the film promises to be the perfect breezy watch to add to your queue this spring.
Starring alongside industry veterans like Jessica De Gouw, Adrian Grenier, and Desmond Chiam is rising star Sebastien Skubala. Fresh out of the Queensland Conservatorium and already making waves on the stage, Skubala makes a memorable splash in his major rom-com debut.
To celebrate the movie’s global release on Netflix on May 1st, we caught up with Sebastien to chat about transitioning from the stage to the screen, battling the Queensland heat, and what it was like to work alongside such an incredible cast.
Here’s our Q&A with Sebastien Skubala, and you can watch the movie right now on Netflix.
First off, huge congratulations on the Netflix acquisition! You, Always is dropping on Netflix on May 1st. When and how did you and the rest of the cast first find out it was heading to the platform?
Thank you so much! It is so exciting. I actually only heard about it heading to the platform fairly recently. Although there was some talk about it earlier than that.
With Netflix picking it up, a massive new audience is going to be introduced to Far North Queensland. What are you most excited for international viewers to see about this part of Australia? Were there any challenges filming in this part of the world?
Sebastien: I’m originally from Adelaide in South Australia, so it was my first time up in Cairns for the shoot. I was blown away by its untouched natural beauty. It feels quite different to somewhere like Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, where I am normally based. It’s more remote, but in the best way.
I think international audiences are going to see a side of Australia that isn’t always on screen. It really is picture-perfect, and I wouldn’t be surprised if people start adding it to their travel lists after watching. Filming there did come with its challenges; the heat and humidity are no joke! But it was absolutely worth it for what it brings to the film.
Can you introduce us to your character in the film and tell us how they fit into the dynamic of the Marine Search & Rescue team?
Sebastien: My character, Jaxtynn, is a patient at Dr Jen’s practice, played by Jessica De Gouw. He appears early in the story and helps open the film on a comedic note, giving the audience a glimpse into Dr Jen’s day-to-day challenges before larger events unfold.
You’ve done a lot of incredible stage work recently, straight out of the Queensland Conservatorium. How did transitioning from the stage to the set of a major rom-com change your approach to the character?
I’ve been working in short films and student screen projects since I was about nine, so moving between stage and screen feels very natural. For me, the key adjustment is adding stillness for the camera and trying not to blink too much. The comedy in this role is quite specific, so I grounded it in real-world observation. I based the character on clips I’d seen of Australians in Bali and aimed to keep it authentic and recognisable rather than a caricature. Working with director Christine Luby was a real highlight. She creates a welcoming and encouraging environment on set. My character is placed in a vulnerable situation, but I felt completely safe and supported throughout, which made it easy to fully commit to the role.
When you first read the script by Ansley Gordon, Yasmin Kassim, and Adam C. Sherer, what were your initial reactions?
Sebastien: I really responded to the balance in the writing; the way it moves between genuinely laugh-out-loud moments and real sincerity. It feels entertaining and grounded.
You are starring alongside some incredible veterans like Adrian Grenier and Jessica De Gouw. What was it like sharing the set with them, and did you pick up any specific advice or habits from watching them work?
My character primarily interacts with Jessica De Gouw’s character, Dr Jen. Jessica is incredibly focused and professional, and watching how she could switch into character on “action” was amazing to see up close. We developed a strong rhythm in our scenes, and my drama school training gave me the confidence to stay present and playful.
I met Adrian Grenier at the table read. He was very kind and a great listener, and he has a way of making people feel at ease straight away. I also spent time on set with Desmond Chiam. He took me under his wing and offered some really practical insights into approaching rom-com characters on a production of this scale. I still use the tips he gave me, and his kindness is something that is so rare in people of his pedigree. I’m really proud to call this film my debut and I’m excited for worldwide audiences to see what Queensland has to offer.
You, Always is now streaming on Netflix globally.
