Call Me by Your Name (2017)

In the sun-drenched summer of 1983, Call Me by Your Name paints an unforgettable portrait of first love. Directed by Luca Guadagnino and adapted from André Aciman’s novel, the story follows Elio Perlman, a precocious seventeen-year-old spending his days immersed in books, music, and the lazy rhythms of northern Italy. His world changes when Oliver, a magnetic American graduate student, arrives to assist Elio’s father, an archaeologist.

At first, Elio and Oliver circle each other with hesitation. However, beneath the languid days and stolen glances, an intense connection begins to take hold. Their relationship, tender yet electric, unfolds against a backdrop of shimmering rivers, ancient villas, and endless fields, capturing the fleeting magic of a single transformative summer.

As their bond deepens, the looming end of the season casts a bittersweet shadow over their time together. Eventually, the inevitable parting leaves Elio with an ache that will echo throughout his life. Through moments of joy and heartbreak, the film captures the universal experience of awakening to desire, identity, and loss.

Timothée Chalamet delivers a career-defining performance, revealing layers of vulnerability and emotional depth. Meanwhile, Armie Hammer’s portrayal of Oliver offers a perfect balance of charm and restraint. Combined with Luca Guadagnino’s masterful direction and Sufjan Stevens’ haunting soundtrack, Call Me by Your Name becomes more than just a romance—it becomes a meditation on memory, longing, and the beauty of fleeting moments.