Director: Luca Guadagnino
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg
Somewhere in Northern Italy, early 1980s. Seventeen-year-old Elio is facing a long summer with nothing to do at his parents’ house when his path crosses with Oliver’s, his father’s American summer research assistant. Elio is at that time in his life when he is exploring his sexuality, growing from a boy into a man.
They both bond over their Jewishness and their love of all art forms and a strong bond starts to develop between them, in the beautiful setting of an Italian summer. The film follows the events that will change Elio’s life forever.
‘Call Me By Your Name’ is undoubtedly one of the most moving love stories in recent years. It stands out from all the rest because, unlike some other films about gay love, it is cliché-free. The film is an honest portrayal of first love and sexual awakening.
‘Call Me By Your Name’ is a film that drips sensuality – it really brings sunny summers in Southern Europe to life on screen. In it, people enjoy the chilled-out feelings of sun-soaked summers. Despite Oliver being there as a research assistant, not much work happens. The characters lounge around by the water reading and discussing music and art, spend many hours eating outdoors under peach trees and ride around on bikes.
Timothée Chalamet is in the lead role as seventeen-year-old Elio and delivers one of the most moving and memorable performances in recent years. He is a relatively newcomer and has surprised many with his extraordinary turn in this coming-of-age tale. He manages to perfectly reflect what his character is going through – how these events will change the course of his life and forever remain in his memory – how his innocence ends.
Chalamet deserves to be up there with the likes of veterans Daniel Day-Lewis and Gary Oldman as a contender for this year’s Best Actor in a Leading Role category. He should be recognised for his huge achievement throughout the pivotal moments in ‘Call Me By Your Name’ – but especially in the last act. He delivers a performance that will stick with many for many years to come.
Armie Hammer plays American research visitor Oliver and it looks like he has finally found a role in which he can show off his talents as an actor and truly shine. His performance is incredibly moving and credible. Michael Stuhlbarg, who plays Elio’s father, is truly remarkable in this film. Even though he doesn’t have many lines, he delivers one of the film’s most memorable monologues with such emotion and sincerity that should have earned him more praise.
‘Call Me By Your Name’ could not have become such a beautiful and moving film without the incredibly talented scripwriter James Ivory on board to adapt the wonderful novel of the same name written by André Aciman. Luca Guadagnino has managed to produce an exceptional film by expertly directing the scenes so as to make the film about the meaning and life-altering nature of love rather than simple physical attraction.
‘Call Me By Your Name’ is a memorable film that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It is a compelling coming-of-age story of love and wanting and of learning from your life experiences.
> Naomi Round
