Review of Call Me by Your Name (2017) by Kcsimms — 05 Feb 2018

Bravo! Bravo! This movie was simply incredible. Prior to seeing the film, I was not familiar with Luca Guadagnino's work, but now I want to see more of his films, and I will keep an eye out for him in the future.

Call Me by Your Name is about the son (Emilio) of an eccentric professor who develops feelings for his father's new resident, who's name is Oliver. There is immediate sexual tension between the two characters, even though Oliver is markedly older than Emilio, who is only 17.

Emilio hasn't revealed his sexual preferences to anybody, but it's easy to notice his immediate attraction to Oliver. Oliver attempts to keep his distance because he knows that developing a relationship with the younger Emilio may be inappropriate, given the circumstances.

However, despite his resistance, he eventually caves in to his desires and becomes sexually involved with Emilio. You can sense Emilio's conflicted conscience throughout the film, and it builds until he is forced to confront questions that he has been purposefully avoiding.

The film ends with closure and sadness, but there is a silver-living that leaves you feeling good and optimistic. The best scene of the film is unquestionably the one that comes at the end when Emilio has the impending conversation with his father about his relationship with Oliver.

Such a heartfelt moment, and the professor's words were absolutely moving. Everything about this film was incredible. It made you feel as if you were there in Italy, and I felt the urge to book a ticket the next day.

This is easily one of the best films of the year, if not the best. I give it a 9.5/10.