Review of Call Me by Your Name (2017) by Definitelymayb — 31 Dec 2017

Honestly one of the most beautiful films made in this century. Luca Guadagnino's Call Me By Yuor Name is an exquisite adaptation of the novel of the same name by Andre Aciman (who also has a small cameo in the film).

Whilst some might just bypass this as another 'Moonlight' or LGBT bait-and-switch for the Oscars, no, this is a legit film that is well crafted with beautifully acted characters that serves more of a coming-of-age film rather than a gay romance.

I didn't like Moonlight that much because that film felt contrived and bare, whereas CMBYN is exactly the type of film that you get lost in. The film has the feeling of a Richard Linklater film and the aethestics of a Sofia Cappola film.

CMBYN will move you, make you cry, make you care for the protagonist and most importantly, make you appreciate your life's experiences and what you have whether that is pain or for longing. The word 'beautiful' cannot be stressed enough because the music, lighting, languid pacing of the film are what contributes it to being a unique cinematic experience.

It is a fairytale set in Italy for our young protagonists, but also a dream that each of them knows will end in a short time. It is cinema at its finest and that is all that we can hope for in this day and age.