What Is Everything You Want About?
The premise of Everything You Want in 259 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
Abby Morrison inhabits a world where imagination feels more tangible than reality itself. An artistic soul with a painter’s eye for beauty, she has cultivated a rich inner life since childhood—one that includes a constant companion few others can see. Since the age of five, she has maintained a relationship with Sy, an imaginary boyfriend who embodies every quality she desires in love. Through her canvases, she brings him to life, brushstroke by brushstroke, creating a sanctuary where her ideal romance exists without complication or compromise.
Her sheltered existence has made this illusion feel safe, even necessary. While others navigate the messy uncertainty of real relationships, Abby has constructed something perfect—a love that never disappoints, never leaves, and never requires her to be vulnerable in ways that feel uncomfortable. The lines between her painted world and the tangible one outside her window blur comfortably, allowing her to retreat whenever reality becomes too demanding.
Then a genuine connection disrupts her carefully maintained fantasy. Quinn, her roommate’s cynical cousin, enters her orbit through tutoring sessions, bringing with him an unexpected authenticity that challenges everything she believes about love. His sharp edges and human imperfections stand in stark contrast to Sy’s flawless devotion, yet something about his presence makes the imaginary feel suddenly insufficient.
Caught between the comforting perfection she has crafted and the terrifying possibility of something real, Abby finds herself at a crossroads. The choice before her forces an examination of what love truly means—and whether the heart can ever be fulfilled by something that exists only in the mind.
What Happens in Everything You Want?
The complete story of Everything You Want, from the first scene to the last, in 526 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Abby Morrison has lived a sheltered life, tucked away from the rough edges of growing up. She clings to her art as a lifeline, painting vivid visions of her imaginary boyfriend named Sy since she was five years old, and she often captures not just his look but the feel of his presence in her sketches and canvases. Her world is quiet and creative, a place where fantasy feels safer than reality, and her devotion to this imagined partner shapes the way she sees friendships, romance, and the world around her.
When Abby agrees to tutor her roommate’s cynical cousin Quinn Andrews, she discovers a real-and-present tension that hasn’t existed in her life before. Quinn is sharp, skeptical, and quick to question the line between truth and illusion, and his electricity draws Abby in even as she tries to keep her distance. As they spend more time together, Abby finds herself increasingly attracted to him, a feeling that unsettles her stable routine and complicates her relationship with Sy. Quinn, for his part, starts to feel a jealous tug whenever he suspects Abby might be keeping a secret, though he doesn’t yet grasp that Sy is not real.
Abby tries to manage the blossoming feelings for Quinn by throwing her energy into the world she knows best—her art and her fantasy—while continuing to invest in the imaginary companion who has long stood beside her. The tension between reality and imagination deepens, and the pair navigates a delicate balance between what they want and what Abby believes she must hold onto to stay true to herself.
The family dynamics come into sharper focus during Thanksgiving at Abby’s home. Abby’s mother, Mary Louise Morrison, hints at Abby’s long-standing imaginary friend, a moment that lands with surprising weight for both Abby and Quinn. The revelation unsettles Quinn and leads him to wonder whether Abby has been inventing an obstacle to their relationship all along. He withdraws, the ache of distance growing as his own confusion and disappointment take hold.
As the holiday passes, Abby faces a turning point. She realizes that she must confront reality and let Sy go, a difficult choice that pushes her to join her parents in a place that feels oddly ceremonial—their own work of decorating tombstones they have made for themselves. It is a gesture of stepping out of a cocoon and into a world where she must decide who she is without the comforting myth she has cherished for so long.
Meanwhile, Quinn goes on a quiet pursuit to understand what Abby wants and what she might be hiding. He seeks guidance from his roommate and his cousin before venturing back into the places they used to go together. His search leads him to a club once shared by them, a space that holds memories and hints about Abby’s inner life. There, he encounters a portrait Abby has painted that features him, and in the background, a glimpse of Abby at the rink—an image that crystallizes the reality of their connection. The moment culminates as he finally finds Abby in that familiar place, and a kiss seals a renewed, if fragile, connection between them.
Everything You Want Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
11 key events in the order they happen, from “Abby meets her imaginary boyfriend Sy” to “Quinn finds Abby at the rink and kisses her”. 11 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Abby meets her imaginary boyfriend Sy
Abby Morrison has lived a sheltered life and believes in an imaginary boyfriend named Sy since age five. She paints Sy obsessively and often envisions what he looks like, treating him as a real companion. His presence bleeds into her everyday life and shapes her artistic vision.
When:childhood (age five onward) Where:Abby's childhood home
- 2
Sy inspires Abby's art
Abby's painting becomes dominated by Sy, blending fantasy with glimpses of reality. She creates numerous portraits and visions of him, using art as a substitute for human connection. Her studio becomes a sanctuary where Sy seems almost tangible.
When:present Where:Abby's studio
- 3
Abby agrees to tutor Quinn
Abby agrees to tutor her roommate's cynical cousin, Quinn, opening a chance for companionship beyond her fantasy world. They clash at first, but her willingness to teach him signals a new dynamic between them. The tutoring sessions begin at the start of their acquaintance.
When:early in the relationship Where:Campus / Abby's apartment
- 4
Attraction grows; Quinn thinks Abby has a real boyfriend
Quinn finds himself drawn to Abby, despite her professed focus on Sy. He becomes jealous when he assumes she has a real boyfriend, which strains their budding connection. Abby, meanwhile, remains emotionally attached to Sy.
When:shortly after tutoring begins Where:Campus / Abby's place
- 5
Abby focuses on Sy over a real relationship
Abby ignores the attraction and concentrates on Sy, letting the imaginary relationship steer her decisions. Her art and routines keep pivoting around Sy's presence. The emotional distance grows between her and Quinn.
When:ongoing Where:Art studio
- 6
Thanksgiving exposes Sy and strains Abby-Quinn relationship
During Thanksgiving at Abby's family home, her mother mentions the imaginary friend, triggering Quinn to realize it might be all fabricated. He concludes that Abby invented Sy to block their relationship and withdraws. The tension unsettles the family gathering.
When:Thanksgiving Where:Abby's family home
- 7
Quinn's withdrawal and misery
Quinn stops meeting Abby and sinks into misery as the truth of Sy's nonexistence slowly sinks in. He recovers only to realize what he has lost. The distance creates a rift between them.
When:post-Thanksgiving Where:Quinn's home / campus
- 8
Abby faces reality and joins her parents' tombstone work
Abby resolves to get rid of Sy and confront reality, asking Sy to leave for good. For the first time she joins her parents in their strange work decorating the tombstones they made for themselves. The act marks a pivotal shift away from fantasy toward maturity.
When:climax before final Where:Abby's family home; tombstone workshop
- 9
Quinn seeks guidance and begins searching for Abby
Seeking advice from his roommate and cousin, Quinn decides to look for Abby a second time. He hopes to mend what was broken by the illusion of Sy. The search takes him beyond familiar places.
When:after Thanksgiving Where:Quinn's home / campus
- 10
In the club, a portrait and a rink hint reveal the truth
While looking for Abby at a club they once visited, Quinn finds a portrait Abby painted of him. He also notices an image in the background of Abby at the skating rink, hinting that life beyond Sy exists. The clues begin to bridge fantasy and reality.
When:later Where:the club
- 11
Quinn finds Abby at the rink and kisses her
Quinn locates Abby at the skating rink and finally acts on his feelings. He kisses her, acknowledging the real emotions beneath the illusion. The moment marks a turning point as fantasy meets genuine connection.
When:finale Where:skating rink
Who Are the Main Characters in Everything You Want?
5 characters, among them Abby Morrison (Shiri Appleby), Sy and Quinn Andrews: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- AM
Abby Morrison (Shiri Appleby)
Played by Shiri Appleby
A sheltered artist who creates paintings of her imaginary boyfriend Sy. She uses fantasy to cope with loneliness and seeks real connection, balancing her artistic drive with the pull of illusion.
- 🎨
- 💖
- 🧭
- S
Sy
Played by Orlando Seale
Abby's imaginary boyfriend, a charming presence representing hopeful longing that cannot become real. He fuels Abby's visions and stands as an obstacle to embracing actual relationships.
- 🎭
- 💭
- QA
Quinn Andrews
Played by Nick Zano
Abby's tutor and love interest whose cynicism hides vulnerability. He grows jealous when he suspects Abby has a boyfriend, forcing him to confront his feelings and their connection.
- 💘
- 🌀
-
Jessica Lindstrom
Played by Alexandra Holden
Abby's roommate, a practical presence in her world. She anchors Abby's day-to-day life, while the interplay with Quinn reveals the fragility of Abby's imagined romance.
- 🏠
- 🎨
- ML
Mary Louise Morrison
Played by Edie McClurg
Abby's mother, who references Abby's imaginary friend and participates in the family's unconventional work decorating tombstones. She embodies warmth and concern that shape Abby's sense of self.
- 👩👧
- 🧰
Where and When Is Everything You Want Set?
Everything You Want is set in Abby's home, club, skating rink and tombstone workshop. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Abby's home, club, skating rink, tombstone workshop
The story unfolds across intimate domestic spaces and social venues. Abby's sheltered home anchors her imaginative world, while the family tombstone workshop hints at a peculiar, crafts-based backdrop. The narrative also moves through a club and a skating rink, places where Abby confronts real life and the evolving tension with Quinn.
- 🏠 Domestic
- 🎨 Artistic
- 🌀 Fantastical
What Are the Themes of Everything You Want?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Reality vs Illusion, Love & Jealousy and Self-Discovery.
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01
Reality vs Illusion
Abby's life revolves around an imaginary boyfriend, Sy, highlighting a longing for connection beyond art. The plot tracks her gradual realization that fantasy cannot fully satisfy emotional needs. The arc culminates in choosing reality, even when it means letting go of the comforting illusion.
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02
Love & Jealousy
Quinn's attraction to Abby is tested by his belief that she already has a boyfriend, exposing how jealousy can distort perception. Abby's commitment to Sy creates friction with real romance, driving tension and complicated emotions. The resolution hinges on navigating genuine affection over imagined attachment.
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03
Self-Discovery
Abby's journey centers on recognizing her own needs beyond Sy's fantasy. Letting go becomes a path to personal growth, pushing her to re-engage with family and the real world. Creative expression, such as painting and the pivotal portrait moment, marks her evolving sense of self.
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04
Family & Acceptance
Family dynamics influence Abby's choices, with Thanksgiving revealing expectations and support systems. The parents and home environment illuminate the roots of her coping mechanisms and the tension between fantasy and reality. Acceptance emerges as Abby joins her family in facing reality together.
What Kind of Film Is Everything You Want?
Whimsical in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Low
- Ending
- Happy
A whimsical and gentle romantic comedy about an artistic young woman learning to choose real connection over a comforting fantasy, filled with hope and self-discovery.
- whimsical
- romantic
- dreamy
- hopeful
- quirky
- introspective
- imaginary friend
- coming of age
- artistic expression
- first love
Quiz
How well do you remember Everything You Want? Test yourself on the story.
