L'Auberge Espagnole 2003

In the lively city of Barcelona, a determined 24-year-old economics graduate, Xavier (Romain Duris), arrives as part of the prestigious Erasmus Programme, despite the concerns expressed by his girlfriend, Martine. Upon settling in, he soon meets a delightful French couple, Jean-Michel and Anne-Sophie, who kindly invite him to stay in their home while he searches for accommodations. As Xavier navigates the bustling streets, he encounters a vibrant mix of students hailing from England, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Denmark, forging bonds that help bridge the gaps of language and cultural differences.

Things take a turn when Martine’s visit serves as a wake-up call, unveiling her disappointment as she realizes that Xavier’s new life is not quite what she expected. In the midst of this turmoil, Xavier finds himself drawn into a romantic affair with Anne-Sophie, putting to use seduction advice from Isabelle, his insightful lesbian roommate from Belgium. However, the arrival of William from England, here to see his sister Wendy, creates ripples of tension with his blunt attitude and culturally insensitive comments that unsettle the group.

When Martine leaves, Xavier is struck by feelings of depression and starts to have unsettling hallucinations. Seeking counsel from Jean-Michel, he learns the hard truth: Anne-Sophie has confessed their affair, leading him to end their relationship for good. The dynamics among the friends spiral as they come together to support Wendy, who narrowly avoids her boyfriend Alistair discovering her secret rendezvous with an American stranger.

As Xavier’s world begins to crumble under the weight of these pressures, he finds comfort in his newfound friendships and the transformative experiences they’ve shared. Once back in Paris, with a coveted job at the ministry now in hand, he is profoundly affected by his time in Spain, gaining a fresh outlook on life. Confronted with the humdrum of his new position, he courageously decides to abandon his job on the very first day to pursue his long-standing dream of becoming a writer. He eagerly sets out to pen the story of his eclectic experiences from the Auberge Espagnole journey. In a poetic turn of events, the narrative circles back as Xavier is seen reuniting with Martine, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship.