What Is I Want You About?
The premise of I Want You in 308 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
The sun‑drenched streets of Barcelona pulse with restless energy, a backdrop for a young man returning from two years abroad. Hache arrives back in the city, carrying the weight of unfinished love and the lingering ache of a close friend’s loss. The urban landscape—its winding alleys, waterfront bike routes, and neon‑lit clubs—mirrors his inner turbulence, offering both refuge and reminder of the life he left behind. The film’s tone blends sultry summer heat with a gritty undercurrent, suggesting that every corner of the city holds a story waiting to be whispered.
Soon Gin steps into his orbit, a magnetic presence who moves with the confidence of someone who knows how to command a room and a motorcycle alike. Their interactions are charged with playful banter and a chemistry that feels both inevitable and precarious, hinting at a connection that could reshape Hache’s fragile plans. Around them, a close‑knit circle of friends—each with their own ambitions, secrets, and creative pursuits—populate cafés, rooftop gatherings, and impromptu photo shoots, painting a vivid portrait of the city’s youthful artistic scene. The soundtrack of revving engines, late‑night conversations, and humming nightlife weaves a texture that feels both intimate and expansive.
Meanwhile, the ghost of Hache’s past love still lingers in the form of Babi, a figure who embodies the bittersweet memory of what once was. The subtle tension between his lingering feelings for her and the fresh spark with Gin creates a love triangle that pulses beneath the surface of every encounter. Katina and other friends add further layers to this emotional web, each interaction hinting at choices that could tip the balance of desire, loyalty, and personal growth. The film invites viewers to linger in this charged atmosphere, feeling the pull of the coast, the roar of engines, and the promise of new beginnings without revealing the ultimate direction of Hache’s heart.
What Happens in I Want You?
The complete story of I Want You, from the first scene to the last, in 725 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Hache (Mario Casas) returns to Barcelona after spending two years in London, trying to forget his first love, Babi (María Valverde), and the death of his best friend Pollo (Álvaro Cervantes). His brother picks him up at the airport, and once he’s settled in, he spots his bike hidden under a sheet. He takes it for a spin and ends up at the port where he used to race illegally. A phone call reveals that Katina (Marina Salas) has learned of his return through Álex, and they agree to meet in a park for a long-overdue catch-up. In the park, Hache encounters Chino, who hints that things have changed and invites him to a get-together with their group of friends. While they wait on a bench, Katina unexpectedly arrives to reconnect, and they sit down to talk; she asks if he’s missed Babi and mentions she’s seen her, but notes that Babi has changed. Hache invites her to the gathering, but Katina declines, and they part with an understanding to stay in touch. Soon after, Gin (Clara Lago) begins to follow him, quietly tailing him as he heads to a gas station. When he goes inside, she accidentally knocks over his bike, and a tense exchange ensues; she pleads for the keys back but jokes about the incident, and he tries to play it cool. On their ride, she quizzes him about his name, and he explains that “Hache” is the letter H in Spanish, while she jokes about hers being Gin, short for Ginebra. Their playful banter foreshadows a complicated chemistry to come.
Days later, Hache and Katina go to a club where Daniela (Nerea Camacho) is drugged and vulnerable, a signal that danger lurks in their circle. Daniela wakes the next morning to a tense text from her sister, who had picked her up in a taxi after a late-night incident, with her mother unaware of what happened. Daniela reveals that Hache was involved in the taxi ride and that he had sent the message that drew Babi back into the situation. That same night, Hache agrees to take Gin out on a date, and they end up sharing a private moment after a night out, culminating in a kiss and a rooftop conversation that hints at a deeper connection. Later, they dine with Luque (Ferrán Vilajosana) and Katina, where the mood shifts when Serpiente (Antonio Velázquez) appears with Pollo’s motorcycle, signaling a looming conflict. A tense confrontation erupts, but Gin and the others intervene to restore order.
As the television premiere approaches, Hache makes a choice that shifts the course of both their relationships. Gin is set to perform, but he tells her there’s something he must do first. While she takes the stage, he slips away to a party where he encounters Babi again, leading her to a house she had always dreamed would be hers, the place where they first made love. They rekindle their past passion, sharing a moment atop the sands that feels like a final, bittersweet reminder of what they once had. Gin finishes her performance and searches for Hache, only to fearfully discover that he’s with others inside. When she learns the truth, she is hurt and conflicted, choosing to walk away, leaving Hache to confront the consequences of his choices.
The atmosphere shifts to a dramatic race where Hache faces Serpiente for Pollo’s motorcycle. After a grueling contest, the exchange of bikes becomes a symbolic transfer of closure: Hache finally comes to terms with Pollo’s death, and a hallucinatory vision of his friend accompanies him as he rides Pollo’s bike into the water. Weeks pass, and Gin hosts a photography exhibition where all the images circle back to Hache. Daniela’s mother reveals that the family has decided to end things due to the infidelity. Daniela, Babi, and their mother attend Daniela’s first doctor’s appointment, while Katina seems content with Luque, who remains part of the circle. At the exhibition, Hache realizes that Gin has known him all along and has quietly photographed him for a long time. He seeks her out, and she suggests that they might still fix this disaster if they work at it. In the end, Hache and Gin reconcile, and their bond strengthens into a hopeful, renewed partnership, showing that healing is possible even after a whirlwind of heartbreak and betrayal.
I Want You Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Hache returns to Barcelona” to “A new beginning for Hache and Gin”. 14 events name a place, across 13 locations.
- 1
Hache returns to Barcelona
Hache lands back in Barcelona after spending two years in London, hoping to forget his first love, Babi, and the death of his best friend Pollo. His brother picks him up at the airport and he settles back into life in the city. He notices his bike is covered with a sheet, a visual clue that old life is about to resume.
When:Day of return Where:Barcelona, Spain
- 2
Port reunion hint and park call
Soon after returning, Hache rides to the port where he used to race illegally and reflects on his past. He receives a call revealing that Katina has learned he is back, and they arrange to meet at a park. The news sets the stage for a reconnection with his old circle.
When:Shortly after return Where:Port of Barcelona
- 3
Katina and Chino prepare a reunion
Katina and Hache agree to meet in a park, and Chino appears to warn him that things have changed. Chino invites him to a get-together with their old friends at a restaurant. The park encounter marks the first step toward re-inserting Hache into the group.
When:Soon after arrival Where:Park, Barcelona
- 4
Bench catch-up and invitation
On a park bench, Katina learns whether Hache has missed Babi and mentions that Babi has changed. They end up planning to join a larger get-together later, though Katina declines the invitation for now. The moment deepens the tension between past loyalties and present desires.
When:Same day Where:Park, Barcelona
- 5
Gin's first encounter with Hache
Gin trails Hache to a gas station after following him on his motorcycle. Their banter begins when a minor accident with the bike happens, and Hache asserts his independence by resisting police attention. They exchange names (Hache and Gin) and start to learn about each other.
When:Days after initial return Where:Gas station, Barcelona
- 6
Daniela's discovery and Babi's concern
At a club, Daniela, Babi's sister, is found drugged during a sexual encounter. Katina and Babi react to the scene, and Daniela later reveals that Hache was back and had sent Babi a text. The incident shatters the illusion of Hache's absence and rekindles tensions.
When:Night after Gin's first encounter Where:Nightclub, Barcelona
- 7
Hache and Gin grow closer
That same period, Hache takes Gin on a date and they end up making love at a secluded high point overlooking the city. Their relationship deepens quickly as they share intimate moments away from the crowd. The moment marks a turning point toward a fragile romance.
When:That night Where:High overlook in Barcelona
- 8
Dinner with Luque, a confrontation looms
Hache and Gin join Luque and Katina for a meal, where Hache spots Serpiente with Pollo's bike. He confronts Serpiente, triggering a tense brawl that Gin and the group manage to calm down. The incident re-ignites a dangerous chase for Pollo's motorcycle.
When:Later that night Where:Restaurant, Barcelona
- 9
Premiere night and a fateful reunion
On the night of a television premiere, Gin is set to perform while Hache has another plan in motion. He reunites with Babi at the house she always dreamed of, and they make love on the sand. Gin finishes her number and learns that Hache is entangled with powerful people, raising the stakes of their relationship.
When:Premiere night Where:Premiere venue and beach-house in Barcelona
- 10
Gin's danger and Hache's decision
Inside the backstage world, Gin discovers that Hache is with the show’s top bosses. A tense sequence unfolds as she is confronted with power dynamics and fear of assault. In the wake of the chaos, Hache makes a drastic choice that shifts the balance of his life with Babi and Gin.
When:Premiere night Where:Dressing rooms and backstage area
Show the other 4 events of I Want You Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Gin's assault and Hache's rescue
Roused by danger, Hache races through the premiere night to find Gin. He arrives as she is about to be assaulted, delivering a violent intervention to protect her. After the confrontation, Gin distances herself, and Hache is left to confront the consequences of his decisions.
When:Premiere night Where:After-party corridors, Barcelona
- 12
Final race and closure
Seeking closure for Pollo's death, Hache races Serpiente for Pollo's motorcycle. The two trade bikes at the end of the race, and Hache rides Pollo's machine into the water to mark a cathartic ending. The moment marks a critical turning point in Hache’s life and his ongoing quest for redemption.
When:End of the premiere night Where:Race track and waterfront
- 13
Weeks later: exhibition and revelations
Weeks pass and Gin holds a photography exhibition focused on Hache’s life. Babi’s mother reveals the family’s collapse due to infidelity, and Daniela, Babi, and their mother attend Daniela's first doctor appointment. Katina is seen with Luque and appears content, while Hache realizes Gin has been taking pictures of him all along.
When:Weeks after the race Where:Gin's photography exhibition, Barcelona
- 14
A new beginning for Hache and Gin
Gin and Hache decide to give their relationship another try, acknowledging the past and the work needed to fix their lives. Gin's photographs imply a deep, shared history and a fragile but hopeful future. The story ends with them stepping forward together as a couple.
When:After the exhibition Where:Barcelona
Who Are the Main Characters in I Want You?
6 characters, among them Hache (Mario Casas), Gin (Clara Lago) and Babi (María Valverde): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Hache (Mario Casas)
Played by Mario Casas
Hache returns to Barcelona after two years in London, carrying the weight of his lost love and his friend's death. He moves through nightlife and danger with a restless energy, driven by a need to reclaim what he has lost. His decisions are marked by impulsivity, loyalty to friends, and a hunger for resolution that often puts him at odds with others.
- 🏍️ Motociclista
- 🔥 Pasión
- 💔 Corazón roto
- 🧭 Conflicto
-
Gin (Clara Lago)
Played by Clara Lago
Gin is a vibrant performer who draws Hache into a complicated romance. She experiences vulnerability amid a glamorous, high-pressure world and confronts dangerous situations that threaten her safety. Her relationship with Hache evolves from attraction to trust, culminating in a fragile but hopeful reconciliation.
- 💃 Bailarina
- ❤️ Amor
- 🗝️ Misterio
- 🫶 Resiliente
-
Babi (María Valverde)
Played by María Valverde
Babi is Hache's first love, whose life is intertwined with the consequences of his infidelity. She embodies resilience and remains central to the emotional fallout of Hache's choices. Her arc involves navigating heartbreak, family dynamics, and moving forward after betrayal.
- 💔 Ex-Amor
- 💫 Memoria
- 🕊️ Fortaleza
-
Pollo (Álvaro Cervantes)
Played by Álvaro Cervantes
Pollo is Hache's best friend whose death becomes the emotional hinge of the story. His memory haunts Hache and motivates him to seek closure and accountability. He embodies friendship and loss, catalyzing the journey toward redemption.
- 💔 Amistad
- 🕊️ Tragedia
- K(
Katina (Marina Salas)
Played by Marina Salas
Katina is a close friend who observes the changing dynamics of Hache's world. She participates in the social circle that shapes the romance and conflicts around Hache, serving as a reminder of the ties that bind and the tensions that pull apart.
- ✨ Amistad
- 🟢 Lealtad
- S(
Serpiente (Antonio Velázquez)
Played by Antonio Velázquez
Serpiente is the rival who inherits Pollo's motorcycle and provokes a dangerous race. He embodies opposition and challenge, testing Hache's resolve and offering a climactic confrontation that drives the story toward its final reckoning.
- 🏁 Rivalidad
- ⚔️ Conflicto
Where and When Is I Want You Set?
I Want You is set in Barcelona and London. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Barcelona, London
Primarily set in Barcelona, the story unfolds through its busy streets, ports, and nightlife. London is referenced as the city where Hache spent two years, shaping memories and scars that color his return. The Barcelona setting blends sunlit coastlines, clubs, and a motorcycle subculture that drives much of the drama.
- 🌆 Barcelona
- 🗺️ London
What Are the Themes of I Want You?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love, Showbiz and Redemption.
-
01
Love
Love drives the central drama as Hache navigates his past with Babi and a rekindled connection with Gin. The story weaves jealousy, longing, and risk as both women reappear in his life. Choices about fidelity and honesty reveal how quickly affection can become fragile. The arc ends with renewed commitment rather than easy reconciliation.
-
02
Showbiz
Set against a TV show's premiere and after-party, the film exposes power imbalances and exploitation within the entertainment industry. Gin faces pressure and danger in a high-stakes environment where bosses blur lines between work and coercion. Hache's actions are influenced by the allure and danger of the industry, complicating trust. The theme highlights how fame can corrupt or test personal boundaries.
-
03
Redemption
Pollo's death hangs over Hache as a catalyst for seeking closure and accountability. The pursuit of forgiveness unfolds through painful confrontations and moments of longing, culminating in a redefined relationship with Gin. The motorcycle duel becomes a symbolic rite of passage toward letting go of the past. The ending suggests redemption through honesty, reconciliation, and choosing love over revenge.
What Kind of Film Is I Want You?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A bittersweet romantic drama that navigates the passionate but painful complexities of a love triangle, set against a steady backdrop of grief, unresolved feelings, and the slow process of healing.
- romantic
- melancholic
- yearning
- tense
- reflective
- passionate
- love triangle
- grief and loss
- friendship
- betrayal
Content notes: drug use, death of a friend.
Quiz
How well do you remember I Want You? Test yourself on the story.
