Call Me By Your Name – Film Review

 

Call Me By Your Name is a beautiful tender film about a coming of age love story with a lazy summer vibe.

 

The film is set in the summer of 1983 in northern Italy with perfect weather, lots of swimming and lazing around reading books. Fresh peaches grow on the trees and life is carefree. Teenager Elio (Timothée Chalamet) is on holidays with his parents. His professor father invites a new American assistant (Armie Hammer) to stay and help with his research. At first, Elio is bored and flirts with the girls, but as they get to know each other an attraction develops.

Both men flirt and party with girls, so there’s an element of will they or won’t they. The pace is slow and leisurely. I wish it didn’t end the way it does, but that’s indicative of the time and perhaps it wouldn’t have the impact that it does.

The story is based on André Aciman’s novel of the same name. The ending in the book sounds more satisfying from the Wikipedia entry (spoiler alert).

At just over two hours, the length is the only negative.  There’s something irresistibly charming about this film. I admit I wish I was there spending my summer in among the fruit trees.

Call Me By Your Name is currently showing in cinemas around Australia.