Call Me by Your Name (2017), directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on the novel by André Aciman, is a hauntingly beautiful coming-of-age film about love, loss, and self-discovery. Set in the lush countryside of Northern Italy during the summer of 1983, this sensual, emotionally charged film follows the complicated romance between Elio (Timothée Chalamet), a 17-year-old boy, and Oliver (Armie Hammer), the older American scholar staying with Elio’s family. The film explores the fleeting yet profound nature of first love, the complexities of desire, and the bittersweet nature of memory.

🎞️ Film Details

• Title: Call Me by Your Name
• Release Date: November 24, 2017
• Genre: Drama, Romance
• Director: Luca Guadagnino
• Screenwriters: James Ivory (adapted from the novel by André Aciman)
• Producers: Peter Spears, Luca Guadagnino, and others
• Production Companies: Frenesy Film Company, The Apartment, and others
• Runtime: 132 minutes
• Rating: R
• Box Office: $41 million+
• Music by: Sufjan Stevens (original score, including the haunting track “Mystery of Love”)

📖 Plot Overview

Set against the backdrop of sun-dappled Italian landscapes, Call Me by Your Name follows Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a precocious and introspective teenager living with his family. During the summer of 1983, Elio’s father (Michael Stuhlbarg), a professor of archaeology, invites Oliver (Armie Hammer), a charming and confident American scholar, to stay with them for a few months while conducting research. What begins as a casual interaction soon blossoms into a passionate and complicated relationship that will change both of their lives forever.

Over the course of the summer, Elio’s feelings for Oliver evolve from confusion and resistance to profound longing and desire. The film delicately portrays the intensity of young love, as well as the challenges of navigating a relationship with a person who seems so different but who touches you in ways you cannot explain. The romance is full of quiet moments of intimacy and self-realization, all set to the gorgeous, sun-soaked Italian countryside.

The film culminates in a heart-wrenching conclusion that reflects on the impermanence of love and the ways in which it shapes us, even when it is fleeting.

🎭 Cast Highlights

• Timothée Chalamet as Elio Perlman: A sensitive, intelligent 17-year-old who is unsure of his own identity and desires until he meets Oliver. Chalamet’s performance captures Elio’s vulnerability and emotional complexity with precision and subtlety.
• Armie Hammer as Oliver: The confident, enigmatic American scholar whose charm and independence leave a deep impact on Elio. Hammer’s portrayal of Oliver is charismatic yet emotionally distant, allowing for the tension and attraction between the two characters to grow.
• Michael Stuhlbarg as Mr. Perlman: Elio’s father, whose understanding and wisdom provide emotional depth to the film. His final monologue is one of the most poignant moments in the film.
• Amira Casar as Annella Perlman: Elio’s mother, whose kindness and warmth balance the dynamics of the family.
• Esther Garrel as Marzia: Elio’s love interest before his relationship with Oliver deepens, providing a contrast to the intense emotional world that Elio navigates.

✨ Why You Should Watch

• Lush Cinematography: Shot in the sun-kissed landscapes of Northern Italy, the film’s visuals are breathtaking. The lush scenery and rich colors create an atmosphere that is as much a character as the people in the film, immersing the viewer in the romantic and nostalgic summer setting.
• Powerful Performances: Timothée Chalamet delivers a career-defining performance as Elio, bringing depth and sensitivity to the role of a teenager in the throes of first love. Armie Hammer’s portrayal of Oliver complements this with charm and complexity.

• Emotional Resonance: The film beautifully explores the complexities of desire, love, and heartbreak, making it a deeply moving experience. It captures the essence of longing and the bittersweetness of lost love in a way that feels universally relatable.
• Stunning Score by Sufjan Stevens: The film’s music, composed by Sufjan Stevens, complements its emotional depth. Tracks like “Mystery of Love” and “Visions of Gideon” underscore the film’s delicate atmosphere, elevating its poignant moments.
• A Celebration of Love in All Its Forms: Call Me by Your Name is more than just a romance; it’s an exploration of identity, sexuality, and the beauty of fleeting moments that shape who we are.

🎥 Fun Facts About the Movie

1. The Setting: The film was shot on location in the Italian countryside, primarily in the Lombardy region. The idyllic setting adds to the film’s dreamlike quality, and many of the locations are part of private estates.
2. Timothée Chalamet’s Audition: Chalamet was cast after an audition that impressed Luca Guadagnino. His portrayal of Elio was so compelling that he received widespread critical acclaim for the role, earning multiple award nominations, including an Oscar nomination.
3. Improvised Moments: Some of the more intimate moments between Elio and Oliver were improvised by the actors, creating an organic, spontaneous feel to their relationship.
4. Iconic Final Scene: The film’s closing moments, where Elio reflects on his time with Oliver, have become iconic for their emotional depth and complexity, with Chalamet’s raw performance leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
5. Sufjan Stevens’ Contribution: Stevens wrote and performed original songs for the film, capturing the film’s nostalgic, melancholic tone. “Mystery of Love” and “Visions of Gideon” became particularly famous for encapsulating the emotional essence of the story.

📌 Where to Watch

Call Me by Your Name is available for streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.

If you love deeply emotional dramas that explore the complexity of relationships and self-discovery, Call Me by Your Name is a must-watch. What was your most emotional moment in the film? Share your thoughts below! 💖🌞