“Call Me by Your Name”

I sat down in front of my sisters iPad, ready to watch a movie, but not quite ready for what I did see. I was about to watch the Oscar-winning “Call Me by Your Name.” I had been wanting to watch the movie for quite a while, but it is two hours long, I do not get much sleep as is, and I have been busy. I should have watched it earlier.

The film, “Call Me by Your Name,” is an adaptation of the famous novel of the same name, by American author André Aciman. It is a beautiful depiction of a coming-of-age story turned love story between a 17 year-old American-Italian, Elio, and his father’s 24 year-old mentee, Oliver, who was staying at the family’s summer home with them. The film was nominated for three Oscars, and won one, best Writing Adapted Screenplay.

This award is well-justified. The film made me feel like I was reading a novel. The jumping of scenes, the attention to detail, and the feeling that the story was being recalled, all felt novelistic. I noticed seemingly trivial details, and if asked I could probably write out figurative language from the novel, just from watching a scene. The screenplay is beautifully written.

The characters of the film are relatable for many, including myself. Elio, a music prodigy and bibliophile, discovers himself through the duration of a summer love story. Although I am not much of a sucker for love stories, this one hit deep. It was forbidden in just the right way, and evoked such emotion in me I might have shed a few tears. More than making me simply emotional, it made me think. This film made me think of the hardships of closeted LGBTQ+ people. It made me think about the beauties of life.

The film “Call Me by Your Name” won me over with imagery that made me feel as if I were, too, a part of this charming love story. It was completely entrancing, but not action-packed. The beauty of this film is that the events are common, and it makes me feel as if I too, could fall in love in my family’s summer home in Northern Italy.

I should have watched it earlier, but I am glad I got the chance to. I highly recommend for anyone to watch this, gay or straight, binary or non-binary, old or young. It can be found on YouTube Red or Amazon Video for rental or purchase.