I, Addict

Based on the autobiographical novel by series co-creator and co-director Javier Giner, I, Addict centres around protagonist Javi (Oriol Pla). Despite being a professional within the creative industries, Javi suffers from a crippling drug addiction that has caused his life to spiral out of control. When the 30-year-old hits another low point in his life, he decides to voluntarily check into a rehab clinic hoping to better himself. Giner tackles addiction with a visceral honesty throughout the first two episodes of this latest Disney+ drama, putting it on track to be one of the most poignant series released this year.

Javi is frequently seen wearing fashionable outfits whenever he’s onscreen. He greets people enthusiastically at a nightclub, acts like a no-nonsense boss at work, and continuously insists that he’s fine to his worried mother whenever he decides to take her calls. This is, of course, all a façade he puts on so that others can’t tell how damaged he is underneath his designer sunglasses. The character bluntly admits this during one of his many voiceover narrations. Even at this early stage in the six-part series, Javi’s outer shell is peeled back at points, enabling viewers to see the raw humanity that lies at the heart of his situation. Pla is nothing short of magnificent in the lead role. The actor holds nothing back as he brings Giner’s deeply personal script to life.

Within the first two episodes alone, I, Addict covers a variety of aspects about addiction, touching upon everything from the impact on familial relationships, the mental toll and physical symptoms that accompany withdrawal, and the harrowing consequences that can follow. In addition to these darker aspects, the show likewise serves as an inspirational message of human resilience and community spirit. No matter how bleak Javi’s situation may appear, Giner reminds viewers that hope can always be found within those closest to us.

Fuelled by a spectacular performance by Pla, I, Addict is a monumentally powerful depiction of addiction.

Andrew Murray

I, Addict is released on Disney+ on 4^th June 2025.

Watch the trailer for I, Addict here: