Call Me by Your Name (2017) is a romantic drama film directed by Luca Guadagnino, based on the novel by Andrรฉ Aciman. The film is set in the summer of 1983 in Northern Italy and follows the blossoming romance between 17-year-old Elio Perlman (played by Timothรฉe Chalamet) and Oliver (played by Armie Hammer), a 24-year-old American scholar who comes to stay with Elioโs family for the summer. Elio is initially resistant to Oliverโs charm but soon finds himself captivated by him, and their relationship gradually develops into an intense and passionate love affair.
The film explores themes of identity, desire, and the complexity of first love. As the relationship between Elio and Oliver deepens, they navigate the joys and complications of their connection, all while dealing with their own internal conflicts and the social expectations of the time. The intimacy between the two characters is portrayed with sensitivity and emotional depth, capturing the fragility and intensity of their feelings.
Throughout the film, the idyllic Italian countryside serves as a backdrop for their love story, adding to the sense of longing and nostalgia that permeates the narrative. Elioโs experience with Oliver marks a pivotal moment in his coming-of-age journey, and the film poignantly illustrates the impact that love, both fleeting and profound, can have on oneโs life. Their connection is ultimately short-lived, but it leaves a lasting imprint on Elio, shaping his understanding of love and loss.
Call Me by Your Name is celebrated for its beautiful cinematography, evocative score, and the powerful performances of its leads. It is a film that captures the bittersweet nature of love, memory, and the passage of time. The film received critical acclaim, particularly for Chalametโs performance, and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. It has become a cultural touchstone for its honest and tender portrayal of a transformative and timeless love.