New Movies: Ask Me What You Want (2024) by Lucía Alemany: Desire, Secrets, and the Perilous Dance of Power
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 8
- 11 min read
Core Summary: An Erotic Game of Cat and Mouse Unveils a Dangerous Secret
"Ask Me What You Want" (2024) is a Spanish erotic romantic drama and thriller directed by Lucía Alemany, based on Megan Maxwell's popular novel. The film plunges into the intense and sensual relationship between Judith Flores (Gabriela Andrada), a young secretary, and her enigmatic new boss, Eric Zimmerman (Mario Ermito). After his father's death, Eric arrives in Madrid to oversee his company's branches, quickly igniting a passionate affair with Judith that delves into exploration and the city's underground swinging scene. However, their burgeoning connection is constantly threatened by a profound secret Eric harbors, forcing Judith to confront desires, boundaries, and the true, potentially dangerous, nature of the man she's falling for.
Snapshot: Office Romance Ignites, Forbidden Desires Unleashed, A Secret Threatens All
A Spanish erotic drama where a young secretary's passionate affair with her enigmatic boss leads them into Madrid's swinging scene, only for his hidden secret to jeopardize their intense connection.
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/pideme-lo-que-quieras (Spain), https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Luc%C3%ADa-Alemany/dp/B0FD24JDVZ/ (Germany)
Deep Dive: The Seductive Labyrinth of Lust and Lies
"Ask Me What You Want" (original Spanish title: Pídeme lo que quieras) is a highly anticipated adaptation of Megan Maxwell's best-selling erotic novel, aiming to capture the essence of its steamy narrative for the screen. The film saw its initial release in Spain on November 29, 2024, followed by wider international distribution.
Plot: Following his father's death, Eric Zimmerman, a charismatic and wealthy businessman, arrives in Madrid from Germany to manage his company's local branches. He quickly becomes entangled with Judith Flores, a young and initially unassuming secretary. Their professional relationship rapidly transforms into an intense and highly erotic affair, characterized by a journey of sexual exploration that leads them into Madrid's hidden world of swinging clubs. Judith finds herself drawn into Eric's sophisticated and provocative lifestyle, pushing her own boundaries of desire and trust. The central tension of the film revolves around a significant secret Eric is keeping from Judith. As their emotional and physical bond deepens, this undisclosed truth looms, threatening to unravel their passionate relationship and potentially expose a darker side to Eric or his past. The narrative explores themes of power dynamics, consent, desire, and the fine line between love and obsession within a sexually charged environment.
Characters and Cast:
Gabriela Andrada as Judith Flores: The young secretary who embarks on a journey of sexual awakening and self-discovery through her relationship with Eric.
Mario Ermito as Eric Zimmerman: The enigmatic, wealthy boss with a hidden past and complex desires.
Celia Freijeiro as Mónica: A supporting character, possibly a friend or colleague of Judith's.
David Solans as Miguel: Another supporting role, likely entangled in the characters' social or professional lives.
Alba Ribas as Frida: Part of the extended cast, potentially involved in the swinging scene.
Joel Bosqued as Andrés: Another key supporting character.
Paco Tous as Manuel: A veteran actor in a supporting role, adding gravitas.
Genre and Style: The film is primarily an Erotic Romantic Drama with strong Thriller elements, often categorized as a "Romantic Thriller." Lucía Alemany's directorial style (discussed below) suggests a commitment to realism and raw emotion, which would differentiate it from purely glossy erotic films. The adaptation of a popular novel suggests a narrative that balances character development with the explicit depiction of sexual themes, aimed at a mature audience. The thriller aspect implies an underlying tension, likely stemming from Eric's secret and the psychological complexities of their power dynamic.
Director's Lens: Lucía Alemany's Raw Realism and Emotional Intensity
Lucía Alemany, a Spanish director and screenwriter, is known for her distinctive approach to filmmaking, which emphasizes authenticity, emotional rawness, and often utilizes improvisation with actors.
Extreme Realism and Naturalism: Alemany's previous work, such as her acclaimed debut feature La Inocencia (The Innocence, 2019), showcased her passion for "extreme realism." She often works with non-professional actors and relies on improvisation to generate authentic conflict and emotion. While "Ask Me What You Want" features professional actors, her commitment to raw, sincere emotion likely carries over, aiming for a grounded portrayal of an otherwise heightened erotic narrative.
Focus on Youth and Sexuality: Her earlier work has explored the sexuality and emotions of teenagers (69 Raons miniseries) and coming-of-age stories (La Inocencia), indicating a recurring interest in the complexities of young adult relationships and sexual awakening. This background makes her a fitting choice for adapting a novel centered on erotic exploration.
Character-Driven Narratives: Alemany prioritizes giving life to characters and capturing "the most sincere and pure emotion." This suggests that even within a thriller framework, the film will delve deeply into the psychological states and motivations of Judith and Eric.
Visual Style: While realism is key, her films maintain a cinematic quality, focusing on capturing genuine impulses. For Ask Me What You Want, this could translate to intimate camerawork that immerses the audience in the characters' experiences and desires.
Central Themes: Desire & Sexuality, Power Dynamics, Trust & Betrayal, Secrecy & Revelation, and Transformation
Desire & Sexuality: At its core, the film explores the multifaceted nature of sexual desire, pleasure, and exploration, particularly within a BDSM/swinging context, challenging conventional boundaries.
Power Dynamics: The boss-secretary relationship inherently introduces power imbalances, which are further explored through the characters' sexual interactions and Eric's secretive nature.
Trust & Betrayal: Judith's journey involves navigating trust in a relationship built on passion and secrets, leading to potential betrayal and emotional fallout.
Secrecy & Revelation: Eric's hidden secret forms the central mystery and source of tension, driving the narrative towards its eventual revelation and consequences.
Transformation: Judith undergoes a significant personal transformation as she explores her sexuality and confronts the complexities of her relationship, potentially leading to a stronger sense of self.
Why It Shines: A Bold, Intense Dive into Erotic Thriller Territory
Popular Source Material: Based on a best-selling novel, it comes with a built-in fanbase and a compelling, proven narrative.
Bold Thematic Exploration: It fearlessly delves into erotic themes, power dynamics, and the complexities of consent and desire.
Lucía Alemany's Direction: Her commitment to realism and raw emotion promises a more grounded and psychologically engaging take on the genre.
Compelling Chemistry: The success of such a film hinges on the lead actors' chemistry, and early indications suggest an intense portrayal by Gabriela Andrada and Mario Ermito.
Thriller Element: The underlying secret and potential danger add a layer of suspense beyond pure romance.
Lucía Alemany's 2024 film, Ask Me What You Want (Spanish: Pídeme lo que quieras), is an erotic romantic drama based on the popular novel by Megan Maxwell. It explores the intense and complex relationship between a young secretary, Judith Flores, and her enigmatic boss, Eric Zimmerman, who harbors a secret and is involved in the swinger club scene. The film premiered theatrically in Spain on November 29, 2024.
Critics' Reception: Beyond the Eroticism
Critics have offered a somewhat mixed but generally intrigued reception to Ask Me What You Want. While acknowledging its basis in erotic romance, reviews suggest the film attempts to delve deeper than its genre might imply, largely thanks to strong performances.
Summary of Reviews:
Fotogramas (Pablo Vázquez): This review, notably giving the film 3 out of 5 stars, highlights Gabriela Andrada's "delicate work" as Judith Flores. Vázquez suggests that it is through Andrada's performance that the film "transcends canon and delivers more than expected." This indicates that while the film operates within the tropes of its genre, it manages to offer something more nuanced or compelling, likely due to the lead actress's portrayal of her character.
MUBI: While MUBI's critic review section for the film shows limited publicly available snippets, the general tag of "Beautiful, interesting, incredible cinema" hints at an appreciation for its visual style or perhaps the compelling nature of its story and performances, even if a full consensus isn't clear from these brief notes.
General Critical Sentiment: Given the film's genre (erotic romance, particularly from a popular novel series), critical reception can often be polarizing. The emphasis on Gabriela Andrada's performance suggests that the film's success with critics hinges on its ability to elevate the material beyond mere titillation, focusing on the emotional and psychological complexities of the characters. The underlying secret of Eric Zimmerman and the world he inhabits likely adds layers that critics are evaluating for depth and and execution.
Audience Reaction: Bestselling Power Translates to Box Office Buzz
Ask Me What You Want comes to the screen with a significant built-in audience, thanks to Megan Maxwell's wildly successful novel series, which has sold millions of copies across Spain and Latin America. This pre-existing fan base heavily influences audience reaction, contributing to its notable box office performance in Spain.
Summary of Audience Sentiments:
Box Office Success: The film has already reported a theatrical box office of $2.5 million in Spain since its late November 2024 release. This figure, particularly for a local-language film, indicates a strong turnout from audiences, undoubtedly driven by fans of the book. This financial success suggests that audiences, especially those familiar with the source material, are keen to see this story brought to life on screen.
Global Sales & Distribution: The fact that FilmSharks has secured brisk international sales for the film (excluding Spain), with rights acquired for the US, Canada, German-speaking Europe, Latin America, Portugal, South Korea, Japan, and India, further underscores the broad appeal of the story. This global interest is a direct reflection of the book's international popularity and suggests that audiences worldwide are curious about this erotic romance.
Anticipation for VOD/Streaming: With its 2024 release and subsequent international sales, audiences are likely to be eagerly awaiting its availability on various VOD and streaming platforms. Discussions on social media and fan forums would likely center on comparisons to the book, the portrayal of the erotic scenes, and the chemistry between Gabriela Andrada and Mario Ermito.
Expectation for Romance and Eroticism: Audiences drawn to the film are likely seeking the blend of romance, drama, and eroticism that made the novels so popular. The film's success will be measured by whether it delivers on these expectations, offering a compelling and passionate story for its target demographic.
In essence, Ask Me What You Want has successfully leveraged its literary origins to generate significant audience interest and box office returns in Spain, with a global reach clearly on the horizon. While critics offer a nuanced view, acknowledging the film's artistic merits beyond its genre, audience enthusiasm appears largely driven by their love for Megan Maxwell's original story.
Box Office Performance: Strong Digital Performance Expected
"Ask Me What You Want" received a theatrical release in Spain in late 2024 (November 29). While specific box office numbers might be limited for its initial run, as an erotic drama based on a popular novel, its commercial success will likely be driven significantly by:
Streaming and VOD Performance: Given the nature of the film, it is highly suited for digital distribution, where such content often finds a large audience.
International Sales: The film's distribution by Warner Bros. Pictures (in Spain) and its global appeal will see it sold to various territories and platforms worldwide.
Audience Demand: The built-in fanbase from the novel could translate into strong digital rentals and purchases.
Production Notes: A Spanish Adaptation with Global Reach
Directed by: Lucía Alemany
Written by: Ivy Hesh, Marina Martín Laguna, Vivien Dakota (screenplay), based on the novel by Megan Maxwell
Main Cast: Gabriela Andrada (Judith Flores), Mario Ermito (Eric Zimmerman), Celia Freijeiro (Mónica), David Solans (Miguel), Alba Ribas (Frida), Joel Bosqued (Andrés), Paco Tous (Manuel).
Genre: Erotic Romantic Drama, Thriller, Romantic Thriller
Production Country: Spain
Language: Spanish
Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes
Filming Location: Madrid, Spain
Music by: Vanessa Garde
Cinematography: Thais Català
Producer: Alejandro Miranda, Jorge Alonso
Production Design: Bárbara Pérez-Solero
Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures Spain & Independent Producers
The film is produced by independent Spanish production companies in collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures Spain, which also handled its distribution in Spain. This partnership suggests a significant investment and a wider reach than typical independent Spanish films, leveraging Warner Bros.'s distribution network for a mainstream audience in Spain.
Sales & Distribution: From Theatrical Release to Global Streaming
Spanish Theatrical Release: Premiered in Spain on November 29, 2024, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
International Distribution: The film is expected to be distributed internationally through various channels, including streaming services, given the global appeal of erotic romance genres and the popularity of the source novel. Details on specific international streaming platform deals are likely to emerge as the film expands its reach.
Release Timeline: Late 2024 Premiere, 2025 International Rollout
Spain Theatrical Release: November 29, 2024
International Rollout: Expected throughout 2025 on various platforms and potentially limited theatrical runs.
Why See It: For a Relatable Exploration of Desire
If you are a fan of:
Intense Erotic Romances: Films that delve into passionate relationships with explicit and complex sexual dynamics.
Romantic Thrillers: Stories that combine steamy romance with elements of mystery, danger, or psychological suspense.
Spanish Cinema: You appreciate the often bold, uninhibited, and character-driven storytelling from Spain.
Book-to-Film Adaptations: You're curious to see how a popular erotic novel translates to the screen.
Stories of Self-Discovery: Following a protagonist's journey of exploring her own desires and boundaries.
Why Watch: If You Crave Passion and Psychological Intrigue
Watch it if you're drawn to stories where:
Chemistry is palpable: The film promises a strong, magnetic connection between its leads.
Secrets drive the plot: The hidden truth creates compelling tension and psychological depth.
The exploration of sexuality is central: It doesn't shy away from depicting diverse erotic experiences.
You enjoy a blend of genres: The combination of romance, drama, and thriller offers a multifaceted viewing experience.
It challenges personal boundaries: Both for the characters and potentially the audience's perceptions of desire.
Movie Trend: The Resurgence of Erotic Thrillers and Novel Adaptations
"Ask Me What You Want" fits squarely into the burgeoning trend of erotic thrillers and dramas making a comeback, often fueled by the success of book-to-film adaptations. Following the popularity of franchises like "Fifty Shades of Grey" and more recent entries on streaming platforms, there's a clear audience appetite for narratives that explore complex sexual relationships, power dynamics, and underlying psychological tension. This film's adaptation of a best-selling erotic novel positions it perfectly within this trend, aiming to capture the passion and intrigue that resonates with a broad audience hungry for mature, emotionally charged content.
Social Trend: Open Conversations Around Consent, BDSM, and Sexual Liberation
The film directly engages with the social trend of increasingly open conversations around consent, BDSM, swinging, and various forms of sexual liberation. In contemporary society, there's a growing willingness to explore and discuss non-traditional sexual practices and relationships beyond societal taboos. "Ask Me What You Want" contributes to this by portraying a relationship that delves into these areas, allowing for a cinematic exploration of desire, boundaries, and communication within these contexts. It reflects a societal shift towards greater curiosity and acceptance of diverse sexual expressions, encouraging dialogue around pleasure, power, and personal autonomy.
Final Conclusions: A Seductive Dive into Desire's Dangerous Depths
"Ask Me What You Want" (2024) is a bold and compelling Spanish erotic romantic drama and thriller, marking Lucía Alemany's assertive entry into the genre. Expertly adapting Megan Maxwell's popular novel, the film captivates with the intense and sensual liaison between Judith and Eric, a relationship that spirals into Madrid's underground swinging scene while shadowed by Eric's perilous secret. Alemany's commitment to raw realism likely grounds the film's explicit themes, transforming a tale of desire into a psychological exploration of trust, boundaries, and the intoxicating, yet potentially destructive, dance of power. It stands as a vibrant addition to contemporary erotic cinema, promising an emotionally charged and suspenseful journey into the complexities of love, lust, and the hidden truths we carry.
Recommendations for Filmmakers: The Art of Structured Whimsy
Embrace Genre with Auteurial Vision: For films in popular genres like erotic drama, bring a distinctive directorial voice (like Alemany's realism) to elevate the material beyond typical tropes and add depth.
Prioritize Lead Chemistry: The success of such a film hinges on the believable and intense connection between the main actors. Invest heavily in casting and fostering strong on-screen chemistry.
Balance Passion with Plot: While the erotic elements are key, ensure the underlying narrative (e.g., the secret, the thriller aspects) is compelling enough to drive the story and keep the audience engaged beyond the sensuality.
Recommendations for the Movie Industry: Cultivating Smart Thrillers and Distinctive Voices
Capitalize on Popular Source Material: Continue to identify and adapt best-selling novels, especially those with existing fanbases, as they offer a strong foundation for audience interest and engagement.
Invest in International Erotic Drama: Recognize the global appetite for sophisticated and well-produced erotic content. These films can perform well on streaming platforms, reaching diverse international audiences.
Support Directors with Unique Styles: Lucía Alemany's involvement suggests a commitment to realism. The industry should empower directors who can bring an authentic, grounded approach even to genres that might otherwise lean into superficiality, offering a more complex and meaningful viewing experience.
Final Verdict: A Seductive Dive into Desire's Dangerous Depths
"Ask Me What You Want" (2024) is a bold and compelling Spanish erotic romantic drama and thriller, marking Lucía Alemany's assertive entry into the genre. Expertly adapting Megan Maxwell's popular novel, the film captivates with the intense and sensual liaison between Judith and Eric, a relationship that spirals into Madrid's underground swinging scene while shadowed by Eric's perilous secret. Alemany's commitment to raw realism likely grounds the film's explicit themes, transforming a tale of desire into a psychological exploration of trust, boundaries, and the intoxicating, yet potentially destructive, dance of power. It stands as a vibrant addition to contemporary erotic cinema, promising an emotionally charged and suspenseful journey into the complexities of love, lust, and the hidden truths we carry.
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