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Plot summary

Everybody Wants Some!! (2016) Plot Summary & Timeline

Everybody Wants Some!! (2016) movie poster

Everybody Wants Some!! is a 2016 comedy film directed by Richard Linklater, running 1 hour 57 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 505 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Everybody Wants Some!!.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
Released
Runtime
1h 57m
Genre
Comedy
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Everybody Wants Some!! About?

The premise of Everybody Wants Some!! in 308 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the sweltering summer of 1980, a shy college freshman arrives in Austin, Texas, ready to step onto his older brother’s baseball team and into the rhythm of campus life. Expecting a straightforward introduction to the world of college athletics, he quickly discovers that the true lesson lies beyond the diamond, in the hazy glow of late‑night gatherings and the promise of newfound independence that drifts through the humid Texas air.

He moves into a shared house with a rag‑tag group of teammates, each buzzing with their own brand of Southern charm. Jake meets his eccentric roommate Beuter, whose drawl can turn a simple conversation into a comedic saga, while the likes of Finnegan, the quick‑witted joker, Roper, the charismatic heartthrob, Dale, the steady anchor, and Plummer, the quiet observer, round out a brotherhood that feels more like a family. Their living space becomes a microcosm of rebellion and camaraderie, where whispered rules about alcohol and upstairs guests are tested by the irresistible pull of music, laughter, and the thrill of the weekend.

Amid the whirl of parties and practices, a chance encounter with an upperclasswoman named Beverly hints at a deeper, more personal adventure. A performing‑arts major with an inquisitive spirit, she offers a glimpse of romance and self‑reflection that contrasts with the rowdy exuberance of the team’s nightly escapades. Their tentative connection adds a layer of gentle intrigue to an otherwise raucous world, suggesting that the journey ahead will be as much about heartbeats as about home runs.

The film settles into a nostalgic, sun‑splashed tone that captures the carefree optimism of youth while acknowledging the uncertainties that come with stepping onto a new frontier. With its blend of humor, music, and earnest self‑discovery, the story invites viewers to linger in the warm glow of a summer that promises both mischief and moments of unexpected clarity.

Full plot

What Happens in Everybody Wants Some!!?

The complete story of Everybody Wants Some!!, from the first scene to the last, in 505 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

In the vibrant backdrop of Texas during the fall of 1980, college freshman Jake, a promising pitcher fresh off high school glory, moves into a shared house with his new teammates from the fictional Southeast Texas Cherokees baseball team. Just three days and 15 hours before the commencement of their college session, he meets his roommate Billy, affectionately nicknamed “Beuter” due to his distinctive Southern accent. Alongside them are players Finnegan (played by Glen Powell), Roper (the unapologetic heartthrob), Dale (Quinton Johnson), and Plummer (Temple Baker), as they cruise through campus, hoping to meet the female students.

A chance encounter introduces Jake to upperclassman Beverly, who expresses a budding interest in him during a brief chat about moving into her apartment. Inspired by her curiosity towards Jake, he notes her apartment number. At a team gathering, the coach introduces the new recruits, including Jake and his fellow freshmen—Plummer, Beuter, and Brumley (Tanner Kalina)—as well as two transfer students: Jay (Juston Street), known for his exceptional pitching, and Willoughby (Wyatt Russell), a laid-back philosopher.

The coach lays down two strict rules: no alcohol in the house, and no women upstairs. However, the team quickly disregards these guidelines, throwing a raucous party where members sneak women into their rooms. Despite his efforts, Jake finds himself thwarted in his attempts to connect with a lady due to Beuter’s reluctance to vacate their shared room.

As the weekend unfolds, the team revels in nightlife, heading to a disco where Finnegan’s humorous banter takes a turn when Jay’s provocative remarks ignite a brawl, leading to their expulsion. They regroup, change outfits, and end their escapades at a western-themed bar, seeking good vibes.

After a morning filled with Willoughby’s laid-back philosophy and music, Jake has a serendipitous meeting with Justin (Michael Monsour), a former teammate now part of the punk scene, who shares details about an upcoming concert. Encouraged by his friends, Jake leaves a charming note and flowers for Beverly, revealing a deeper affection that spins into a fraternity party.

Their first connection evolves as Beverly, a performing-arts major, and Jake bond over their similarities, imparting personal stories amidst the electric atmosphere of college life. As practice heats up, tensions arise when Jay disrupts the team’s dynamic with his aggressive pitching, leading to a confrontation with team leader McReynolds.

Beverly’s invitation to “Oz,” a themed costume party for performing-arts students, brings the team face-to-face with a new cultural frontier. In their awkward attempts to mingle, Finnegan adopts astrology lingo to impress, while Jake finds himself wrapped in an improvised Alice in Wonderland segment of The Dating Game, culminating in a night filled with budding romance.

As the semester kicks off, Jake and Beverly stroll towards their classes—parting ways with shared longing. Meanwhile, their teammates tease him about his nighttime escapades, only for Jake to find himself lost in a history lecture with Plummer, as they both doze off when their professor scribes the phrase, “Frontiers are where you find them”, on the chalkboard, marking the start of their college journey.

Timeline

Everybody Wants Some!! Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Jake Moves In” to “The Journey of College Life”. 10 events name a place, across 10 locations.

  1. 1

    Jake Moves In

    Freshman pitcher Jake arrives at his new shared house in Texas, eager to begin his college experience. He meets his quirky roommate Billy 'Beuter' and other teammates from the Southeast Texas Cherokees baseball team.

    When:Fall 1980 Where:Texas

  2. 2

    Meeting Beverly

    In a serendipitous encounter, Jake meets upperclassman Beverly while discussing her apartment. Intrigued by her interest in him, Jake jots down her apartment number, marking the start of his crush.

  3. 3

    Team Introduction

    At a team gathering, the coach introduces the new recruits, which includes Jake and his fellow freshmen like Plummer and Beuter. New transfer students Jay and Willoughby join the mix, adding to the team's dynamics.

  4. 4

    Breaking the Rules

    The coach enforces strict house rules against alcohol and women upstairs, but the team quickly disregards them. A raucous party ensues, illustrating the team's rebellious spirit and need for fun.

    Where:Shared House

  5. 5

    Nightlife Adventures

    The team enjoys the nightlife, heading to a disco where tensions flare due to Jay's provocative remarks. A brawl breaks out, resulting in their expulsion, but they don’t let this ruin their fun.

    Where:Disco

  6. 6

    Western-Themed Bar

    After regrouping and changing outfits post-disco, the team heads to a western-themed bar. They continue their escapades, seeking camaraderie and good vibes amidst the college chaos.

    Where:Western-Themed Bar

  7. 7

    Meeting Justin

    Jake has a chance encounter with former teammate Justin, who shares insights on an upcoming concert in the punk scene. Inspired, Jake starts to think about his own burgeoning romance with Beverly.

  8. 8

    Jake's Romantic Gesture

    Determined to express his feelings, Jake leaves a charming note and flowers for Beverly. This act reveals his growing affection and attempts to bridge their connection.

    Where:Beverly's Apartment

  9. 9

    Beverly and Jake's Bond

    Their relationship deepens as Beverly and Jake share stories at a fraternity party. Their mutual interests in performing arts and personal experiences foster a budding romance amidst the college atmosphere.

    Where:Fraternity Party

  10. 10

    Tensions in Team Practice

    As they prepare for the baseball season, tensions escalate during practice when aggressive pitcher Jay disrupts the team. This leads to a confrontation between Jay and team leader McReynolds.

    Where:Practice Field

Show the other 4 events of Everybody Wants Some!!
  1. 11

    Invitation to 'Oz'

    Beverly invites the team to 'Oz,' a themed costume party for performing-arts students. Their awkward attempts to engage with new people illustrate their struggles with college social life.

  2. 12

    Cultural Exploration

    At 'Oz', Finnegan tries to impress others with astrology lingo, while Jake unexpectedly participates in an improvised game. The night concludes with laughter and budding romances evolving.

    Where:Costume Party

  3. 13

    Classes Begin

    As the semester kicks off, Jake and Beverly share a bittersweet goodbye as they head to their classes. Their teammates humorously tease Jake about his nighttime escapades, showcasing their camaraderie.

    Where:Campus

  4. 14

    The Journey of College Life

    During a history lecture, Jake and Plummer both doze off, lost in thought about their new college experiences. The professor's phrase, 'Frontiers are where you find them,' resonates deeply as they reflect on their journey.

    Where:Lecture Hall

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Everybody Wants Some!!?

4 characters, among them Jake, Beverly and McReynolds: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Blake Jenner as Jake in Everybody Wants Some!!

    Jake

    Played by Blake Jenner

    Jake is a college freshman and a promising pitcher grappling with the transition from high school success to college life. He is earnest and ambitious but also navigates romantic complexities and friendship dynamics as he tries to connect with both his teammates and Beverly. His character embodies youthful enthusiasm and the search for belonging.

    • ⚾ Athlete
    • 💖 Romantic
    • 🎓 Student
  • Zoey Deutch as Beverly in Everybody Wants Some!!

    Beverly

    Played by Zoey Deutch

    Beverly is a charismatic upperclassman majoring in performing arts who captures Jake’s attention with her inquisitive nature. She is creative and open-minded, inviting Jake into an exploration of new cultural experiences. Her character symbolizes the allure of college romance and personal connection amidst a backdrop of youthful festivities.

    • 🎭 Artist
    • ❤️ Infatuation
    • 🌟 Inspiration
  • Tyler Hoechlin as McReynolds in Everybody Wants Some!!

    McReynolds

    Played by Tyler Hoechlin

    McReynolds is the team leader who embodies confidence and athletic prowess. He serves as a mentor to the younger players while also exhibiting a competitive edge that adds tension to the team's dynamics. His character represents the pressures of leadership and the pursuit of excellence in sports.

    • 🏆 Leader
    • ⚾ Competitor
    • 🔥 Intense
  • Ryan Guzman as Roper in Everybody Wants Some!!

    Roper

    Played by Ryan Guzman

    Roper is the unapologetic heartthrob of the team, known for his charm and exuberance. He represents the playful, carefree spirit of college life and contributes to the group's social dynamics. His character often engages in humorous banter and antics, making him a favorite among his peers.

    • 😍 Charmer
    • 🎉 Fun-loving
    • ⚓ Socialite
Setting

Where and When Is Everybody Wants Some!! Set?

Everybody Wants Some!! is set in Texas (Fall of 1980). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Fall of 1980

The fall of 1980 signifies a time of cultural change and student life evolution in America. This era was marked by a burgeoning youth culture that embraced freedom, experimentation, and social gatherings. It sets the stage for the exploration of friendships and romances as college students navigate the complexities of their new independence.

Where

Texas

Texas serves as a vibrant backdrop for the film, particularly embodying the spirit of college life in the fall of 1980. It showcases the camaraderie of young athletes and the lively atmosphere of campus social events. Renowned for its universities and sports teams, Texas creates an ideal setting for personal growth and exploration.

  • 🌆 College Town
  • 🎉 Party Scene
Themes

What Are the Themes of Everybody Wants Some!!?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Romance and Self-Discovery.

  1. 01

    Friendship

    Friendship is a central theme as Jake navigates his new life with his teammates, bonding over shared experiences and late-night escapades. Their camaraderie is tested and strengthened through challenges and playful rivalries, marking a transformative period in their lives. The connections formed become a foundation for their college journey.

  2. 02

    Romance

    The burgeoning romance between Jake and Beverly highlights the theme of young love. Their relationship develops amidst the excitement and chaos of college life, showcasing the thrill of new connections and emotional vulnerability. The sweetness of their interactions reflects the innocence of youth and the evolving nature of intimacy.

  3. 03

    Self-Discovery

    Self-discovery plays a vital role in the film as the characters explore their identities outside of athletics. Jake and his friends grapple with expectations, aspirations, and personal growth, encountering new perspectives during their college experiences. This journey reveals their hopes and fears as they transition into adulthood.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Everybody Wants Some!!?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Low
Ending
Happy

A nostalgic and carefree comedy that captures the playful energy and youthful freedom of college life, following a baseball team's lighthearted adventures in friendship and romance.

  • nostalgic
  • carefree
  • playful
  • energetic
  • youthful
  • optimistic
  • coming of age
  • male friendship
  • college life
  • baseball team

Content notes: drinking, sexual content, partial nudity.

Quiz

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Where to watch

Where to Watch Everybody Wants Some!!

Stream it on Hoopla and MGM Plus, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

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FAQ

Everybody Wants Some!! Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Everybody Wants Some!!, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Everybody Wants Some!! about?

In the sweltering summer of 1980, a shy college freshman arrives in Austin, Texas, ready to step onto his older brother’s baseball team and into the rhythm of campus life.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Everybody Wants Some!! take place?

Everybody Wants Some!! is set in Texas (Fall of 1980). The fall of 1980 signifies a time of cultural change and student life evolution in America. This era was marked by a burgeoning youth culture that embraced freedom, experimentation, and social gatherings.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Everybody Wants Some!!?

The story follows Jake (played by Blake Jenner), Beverly (played by Zoey Deutch), McReynolds (played by Tyler Hoechlin) and Roper (played by Ryan Guzman).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Everybody Wants Some!!?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Friendship, Romance and Self-Discovery.

The themes explained

Who directed Everybody Wants Some!!?

Everybody Wants Some!! (2016) was directed by Richard Linklater and runs 1 hour 57 minutes.

Richard Linklater’s films

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