Set against the sun-drenched, idyllic landscapes of northern Italy in the summer of 1983, Call Me by Your Name is a deeply moving and sensual tale of first love, based on the acclaimed novel by André Aciman. The film immerses the viewer in a world of intellectual pursuits, natural beauty, and the languid, unhurried pace of a European summer. At its heart is the story of a burgeoning relationship that unfolds with a delicate and unforgettable tenderness.
The story centers on Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a precocious and introspective 17-year-old. A gifted musician who spends his days transcribing classical scores, reading literature, and swimming, Elio is a boy on the cusp of adulthood. He lives with his parents, an eminent professor of Greco-Roman culture (Michael Stuhlbarg) and a warm-hearted translator (Amira Casar), in their stunning 17th-century villa. The Perlman household is a haven of high culture, intellectual curiosity, and lively conversation, but for Elio, the summer feels like a familiar, predictable rhythm.
This rhythm is disrupted by the arrival of Oliver (Armie Hammer), a charming and handsome 24-year-old American graduate student. Oliver has come to the villa to work as an annual intern for Elio’s father. From the moment he steps out of the taxi, Oliver’s confident, easygoing demeanor creates a subtle but palpable shift in the atmosphere. He is a man of striking physical presence, with a seemingly effortless charm that draws people to him. Elio, initially dismissive and slightly resentful of the "usurper" who has taken his room, finds himself both intrigued and, at times, irritated by Oliver's casual "Later!" as a farewell.
As the summer days unfold, a quiet dance begins between the two. Their interactions are a fascinating mix of intellectual sparring and unspoken tension. They take long bike rides into town, swim in a tranquil lake, and engage in philosophical discussions about art, life, and love. Elio, who is accustomed to expressing himself through music and literature, finds himself drawn to Oliver in ways he doesn't fully understand. His feelings are a complex and confusing blend of attraction, envy, and a desire for connection he has never experienced.
Oliver, for his part, seems to maintain a certain emotional distance, yet his subtle glances and gestures suggest a deeper awareness of the growing bond between them. The film masterfully captures the slow, almost excruciatingly beautiful development of their relationship. The narrative is driven not by grand dramatic moments, but by the smallest of details: a lingering touch, a quiet conversation in the shade, the shared laughter over a meal, a furtive glance. The entire film is infused with a raw, emotional honesty that feels both universal and profoundly personal.
The Italian summer serves as more than just a backdrop; it is a character in its own right. The lush peach orchards, the sun-drenched piazzas, the cool, flowing rivers, and the vibrant life of the local towns all contribute to the film’s sensory experience. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the golden-hour light and the feeling of a world overflowing with possibility.
As Elio and Oliver navigate their evolving feelings, the film explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and the intoxicating, transformative power of first love. It is a story about the courage to feel, to be vulnerable, and to embrace a connection that defies easy labels. Timothée Chalamet delivers a stunning performance as Elio, conveying the character’s inner turmoil, intellectual brilliance, and burgeoning sensuality with a breathtaking sensitivity. Armie Hammer provides a captivating counterpoint, portraying Oliver as a man whose outward confidence hides a world of complexity and caution. And Michael Stuhlbarg, in a deeply affecting supporting role, provides a powerful and compassionate anchor to the story, embodying a paternal love and wisdom that is both rare and beautiful.
Call Me by Your Name is a testament to the idea that some loves, no matter how brief, can define a lifetime. It is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, a wistful and tender reflection on memory, desire, and the enduring ache of a perfect summer.
Call Me by Your Name is a 2017 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes.
It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 94.
