Call Me by Your Name (2017), directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a lush and intimate coming-of-age romance that captures the fleeting beauty of first love. Based on André Aciman’s acclaimed novel, the film is set in the sun-drenched northern Italian countryside during the summer of 1983 and explores themes of desire, idenтιтy, and the bittersweet nature of love. Anchored by exquisite performances from Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer, the film is a poetic and emotionally resonant journey.
The story follows Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a precocious 17-year-old living with his parents in a sprawling villa. Elio spends his summer transcribing music, swimming, and enjoying the languid pace of rural life. His father, Mr. Perlman (Michael Stuhlbarg), an archaeology professor, invites Oliver (Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old American graduate student, to stay with the family as an ᴀssistant for the summer. At first, Elio is dismissive of Oliver’s confident and carefree demeanor, but over time, an unspoken connection develops between the two.
What begins as a series of playful interactions and subtle glances gradually transforms into a deep and consuming romance. Elio, grappling with his burgeoning Sєxuality and the intensity of his feelings, finds himself both exhilarated and confused. Oliver, for his part, navigates his own hesitations, balancing his attraction to Elio with the constraints of societal expectations. Together, they embark on a transformative journey of love and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the idyllic Italian countryside.
Timothée Chalamet delivers a career-defining performance as Elio, capturing the character’s vulnerability, pᴀssion, and emotional complexity with remarkable nuance. His expressive portrayal conveys the exhilaration and heartache of first love in a way that feels deeply authentic. Armie Hammer’s Oliver is equally compelling, exuding charisma and warmth while hinting at the inner conflict beneath his confident exterior. Their chemistry is palpable, making their connection feel both natural and profound.
The film’s cinematography by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom is breathtaking, immersing viewers in the beauty of the Italian landscape. From sunlit fields and lush orchards to tranquil lakes, the visuals evoke a sense of timelessness and serenity, mirroring the characters’ journey. Guadagnino’s direction emphasizes the sensory details of summer—rippling water, the rustle of leaves, the warm glow of sunlight—creating an immersive and tactile experience.
Music plays a vital role in the film, with a tender and evocative score by Sufjan Stevens, whose original songs “Mystery of Love” and “Visions of Gideon” underscore the emotional peaks and valleys of the story. Classical compositions and 1980s pop tracks further enrich the film’s atmosphere, adding layers of emotion and nostalgia.
Call Me by Your Name is not just a story of love but also a meditation on time, memory, and the indelible mark left by meaningful relationships. Its exploration of intimacy and vulnerability resonates universally, transcending its specific setting and time period. The film’s themes are brought into sharp focus during a pivotal monologue by Michael Stuhlbarg’s character, in which he delivers a heartfelt reflection on love, pain, and the importance of embracing one’s emotions fully.
The film’s ending is both devastating and profound, with Elio silently processing his heartbreak in front of a crackling fire as “Visions of Gideon” plays, encapsulating the raw, unfiltered emotions of love and loss.
Call Me by Your Name is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling, capturing the joy, pain, and transformative power of first love with unparalleled sensitivity and artistry. Its tender, evocative portrayal of romance and self-discovery has cemented its place as one of the most acclaimed films of its time, leaving an enduring impact on audiences worldwide.
