Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Let me start by saying I watched this movie two nights in a row. If that's not an endorsement for seeing a movie over 2 hours long about a teen in Italy falling for the PhD candidate who comes to study with his father and stay with his family in Italy on a 6 week fellowship, then I just don't know what is.

This isn't a movie full of action or intrigue, but a film about the beauty of desire and giving in to those urges at the risk of broken hearts. When Oliver arrives, Elio is instantly a bit suspcious and jokingly refers to him as the "Usurper". He is judgmental of him, but in such a curious way. The attraction between the two men grows and grows and the script by James Ivory allows them the time to let it build. Timothee Chalamet as Elio is every bit a teenager- aloof, sensitive, longing for approval and attention from this man he has grown so attracted and attached to. Armie Hammer as Oliver is charming and bold while also being very tender towards Elio. The scenes of these two riding bikes and swimming in the river are often as sensual as seeing them kiss.

But this isn't just a movie about romance. It is also a movie about how beautiful Northern Italy is. Armie Hammer is handsome, but he is no match for the backdrop. Much like director Luca Guadagnino's previous films A Bigger Splash and I Am Love, Italy is a character unmatched in this film, filled with charm and wonder.

Call Me By Your Name is stunning, beautifully shot, and includes exceptional performances with such emotional range it will take your breath away.