I Want You

I Want You

Year: 1998

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Winterbottom

MusicThrillerRomanceDramaCrime

What she wants, she gets. A young boy and his sister are drawn into one man’s obsessive pursuit of his former lover.

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Timeline & Setting – I Want You (1998)

Explore the full timeline and setting of I Want You (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Farhaven

Farhaven is a quiet British seaside town with a working harbor and a close-knit community. Its promenade, beaches, and nightclub scene anchor the film’s mood as events unfold along the coast and by the river. The town’s seaside atmosphere contrasts with the darker undercurrents of the characters’ lives.

🌊 Coastal town 🏖️ Seaside community

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:30

Main Characters – I Want You (1998)

Meet the key characters of I Want You (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Honda (Luka Petrušić)

A 14-year-old boy who witnessed his mother’s suicide and becomes mute for years. He quietly obsesses over Helen after returning her bracelet, tracking her in hopes of connection; his actions oscillate between protective instinct and invasive spying, revealing a childlike need for belonging.

🔎 Stalker 🧭 Obsession 💔 Trauma

Helen (Rachel Weisz)

A hairdresser dealing with a traumatic past and a tumultuous love life. Her fear and vulnerability mask a strong will to navigate danger and maintain independence, though she finds herself repeatedly drawn into toxic dynamics.

💔 Trauma 🗝️ Secrets 🗣️ Agency

Martin (Alessandro Nivola)

Helen’s ex-boyfriend released from prison who uses charm and coercion to control Helen and others; his violence escalates when his desire to possess Helen is threatened; he embodies predatory behavior and entitlement.

💔 Abuser 🔒 Control

Bob (Ben Daniels)

A radio DJ dating Helen; his jealousy and aggression create a volatile relationship, culminating in public shaming and threats. He becomes an antagonist in the couple’s life as the instability of romance escalates.

💬 Jealousy 🎙️ Public image

Sam (Steve John Shepherd)

An old friend that Helen reconnects with; his budding romance with Helen is interrupted by danger and violence as Martin intervenes.

💬 Old friend 🎶 Nightlife

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:30

Major Themes – I Want You (1998)

Explore the central themes of I Want You (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Trauma

Helen’s long shadow of sexual abuse at the hands of Martin shapes her adult relationships; the film gradually reveals how past abuse informs present fears, self-protection, and silence. Honda’s early observation of her bracelet becomes a fragile thread linking past to present. The narrative shows that trauma has lasting effects, influencing how characters interact and confide in others.

🔍 Obsession

Honda’s silent fixation on Helen drives his surveillance and involvement in her life. Martin’s own stalking and longing for Helen propels a dangerous dynamic where boundary crossing leads to violence. The film frames obsession as a corrosive force that erodes consent and autonomy.

⚖️ Power & Control

Power relations thread through relationships: Bob’s controlling jealousy, Martin’s predatory behavior, and Helen’s struggle to regain agency. The climactic confrontation reveals how control shifts through manipulation, violence, and fear. The town’s shadows reflect how power dynamics shape every decision.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:30

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I Want You Summary

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I Want You Summary

I Want You Timeline

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I Want You Timeline

I Want You Spoiler-Free Summary

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I Want You Spoiler-Free Summary

More About I Want You

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