Review of Call Me by Your Name (2017) by Fidel Antonio M — 14 Feb 2018

One summer in Northern Italy, a graduate student (Armie Hammer as Oliver) arrives at the family villa of the Perlmans. The professor's teenage son (Timothee Chalamet as Elio) accompanies him in running errands and exploring the idyllic town. Their friends and families are instantly drawn to the effortless charisma and confidence of Oliver, but not Elio. He is resisting it, even competing with him at one point, until he finally lets his guard down. And boy, he comes at Oliver really strong. Over the course of six weeks, what started as mere infatuation turns into a passionate affair. Call Me By Your Name is sensual, without being overtly erotic. It simmers with sexual tension from the most subtle exchanges -- secret glances, longing stares, stolen kisses, and flirtatious massages. Even a simple caress on the lips or touching of their feet is highly romanticized, which is exactly how a teenager feels during first love. And as they are about to consummate their love in one of their midnight rendezvouses, the camera pans away. It's a bold choice and one that I fully support. It's consistent with the subdued but elegant approach to their love story. The chemistry between the leads is palpable. Timothee, in this star-making turn, portrays a love-struck teenager with authentic naivete. His eyes simultaneously filled with yearning, confusion, and excitement. It's a film overflowing with so many great moments -- the father's monologue (Michael Stuhlbarg), Elio's final breakdown at the fireplace, and of course, the "Call me by your name and I'll call you by mine" scene. Call Me By Your Name could easily become the next Before Sunrise, i.e. the best romantic film of all-time.

PS: I want Sufjan Stevens to compose songs for my emo moments. While I wait for my second viewing, I'll play Mystery of Love and Visions of Gideon on loop to mend my wrecked emotions.