Review of Call Me by Your Name (2017) by Thomas B — 27 Aug 2018

It's hard to pinpoint what a movie has to do to make you feel something unique. It's a tough feat to pull off at the best of times, and going into 'Call Me by Your Name', I was expecting something good, but certainly nothing like what I got. I think, if I had to describe this movie in one word, it would be therapeutic. Luca Guadagnino, who completely outdid my expectations, manages to capture such a leisurely atmosphere with the warm summer days - cycling, reading and resting by the pool - that it just makes you feel totally relaxed and comfortable. The fact that there isn't really a plot also helps achieve this. The central love story, which was handled very well, feels so much more emotive and rewarding thanks to this setting, and whilst everything is really great and well-handled, I think it's this warm, content atmosphere that makes the movie really stand out as unique. Of course, this effect can only be achieved if all the pieces are correctly assembled, and this is in no small part thanks to the wonderful direction and cinematography - which again create a rather soothing affect on the viewer. The two lead performances - especially Chalamet - are easily some of the best of 2017. In many ways, it's their performances that inhabit this world and make it feel fully-realised and, ultimately, real.

I can't praise 'Call Me by Your Name' enough. It took me completely by surprise, and I can see this becoming an annual summer-time necessity for me. And I really want to visit Italy now.