Call Me by Your Name Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A teenager in Italy falls for his dad’s intern, does some stuff with a peach, then gets his heart broken, but his dad gives him a pep talk about feelings.

🍿 Call Me by Your Name: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Summer in Italy

In the summer of 1983, Elio Perlman, a 17-year-old, spends his days at his family’s villa in Lombardy, Italy. He is a musically gifted and intellectually curious young man, spending his time transcribing music and reading. His idyllic summer is disrupted by the arrival of Oliver, a 24-year-old American graduate student who has come to work as an intern for Elio’s father, an archaeology professor.

Awakening Desire

As Elio and Oliver spend more time together, a subtle yet undeniable attraction begins to develop. They share intellectual conversations, explore the surrounding towns, and enjoy the Italian summer. Their initial interactions are marked by a mix of curiosity, admiration, and a hesitant dance of unspoken feelings. The film meticulously captures the nuances of their growing infatuation and their struggles with suppressed desire.

A Summer Romance

As the summer progresses, Elio and Oliver give in to their feelings and begin a passionate love affair. Their relationship is intense and transformative, filled with both joy and vulnerability. They explore their sexuality and emotions in the picturesque setting of the Italian countryside, creating memories that will forever impact their lives. Their bond deepens, transcending physical attraction to encompass a profound emotional connection.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elio (Timothée Chalamet): A precocious and introspective seventeen-year-old who experiences a transformative summer of self-discovery and first love.
• Oliver (Armie Hammer): A charming and self-assured twenty-four-year-old American graduate student who arrives in Italy and captivates Elio.
• Mr. Perlman (Michael Stuhlbarg): Elio’s empathetic and understanding father, a professor of Greco-Roman culture who offers guidance and acceptance.
• Annella Perlman (Amira Casar): Elio’s multilingual and cultured mother, who provides a nurturing and open-minded environment.
• Marzia (Esther Garrel): Elio’s friend who represents a more conventional romantic interest and provides a contrast to his relationship with Oliver.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elio: “Call me by your name, and I’ll call you by mine.” – This intimate exchange signifies a profound connection and blurring of identities between Elio and Oliver.
• Mr. Perlman: “We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new. But to make yourself feel nothing so as not to feel anything – what a waste!” – Mr. Perlman offers this advice to Elio after Oliver leaves, encouraging him to embrace his feelings rather than suppress them.
• Oliver: “Later!” – Oliver’s casual farewell becomes a recurring motif, initially irritating Elio but later carrying a deeper, bittersweet meaning.
• Mr. Perlman: “Is it better to speak or die?” – Elio’s father poses the question, originally from a poem, during a conversation, urging him to be open and honest with his feelings.

💰Box Office

• Budget: €4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,095,701
• Worldwide Gross: $67,446,279

💥 Call Me by Your Name Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie and just being completely swept away by the beauty and the romance. The Italian setting felt so real and the performances were amazing. I found myself getting lost in Elio’s feelings. The father-son talk near the end really got to me, it was so understanding and heartfelt, it felt like a warm hug of acceptance. That final scene by the fireplace… I still think about it and how much it made me feel.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romance and coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ themes and stories”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning and atmospheric films”
  • “Individuals seeking thoughtful and emotionally resonant cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes including same-sex relationships”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Suggestive scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A sensual and evocative coming-of-age story set against the idyllic backdrop of 1980s Italy. Guadagnino crafts a deeply emotional and visually stunning experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Anchored by stunning performances from Chalamet and Hammer, this is a tender and heartrending exploration of first love and the complexities of desire. The film’s intimate and nuanced portrayal of human connection makes it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “A masterpiece of atmosphere and emotion, it is a film that allows the audience to feel the heat of the Italian summer and the intensity of first love. The performances are authentic, and the storytelling is poetic and deeply affecting.

Audience Reactions

The breathtaking Italian scenery and sun-drenched visuals made the movie feel like a vacation.: Viewers consistently praised the movie for its authentic portrayal of first love and its emotional depth.

Timothée Chalamet’s performance was a standout, capturing the vulnerability and passion of a young man discovering himself.: Many audience members were moved by the film’s exploration of identity and self-discovery.

Overall Consensus: Call Me by Your Name is widely regarded as a beautiful and moving exploration of first love, praised for its performances, atmosphere, and emotional depth. It’s a film that resonates deeply with audiences who appreciate nuanced storytelling and character-driven narratives.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 2018
2. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 2018
3. BAFTA Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Timothée Chalamet learned to speak Italian and play the classical piano pieces used in the film specifically for his role as Elio.”
• “The film’s title doesn’t appear on screen until the end credits.”
• “André Aciman, the author of the novel, makes a cameo appearance in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Call Me by Your Name?

Call Me by Your Name is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on cable providers or other streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Call Me by Your Name, you might like these similar films:

• Brokeback Mountain (2005): A powerful love story set against a backdrop of societal constraints, exploring the complexities of a forbidden relationship between two men.
• Moonlight (2016): A coming-of-age story exploring identity, sexuality, and the challenges of self-discovery, told with sensitivity and artistry.
• Maurice (1987): Based on the novel by E. M. Forster, it explores themes of forbidden love and self-discovery in early 20th-century England.
• God’s Own Country (2017): Set on a remote farm in Yorkshire, this is a tender and intimate portrayal of a burgeoning relationship between two young men.

🛒 Call Me by Your Name Related Products

• Call Me by Your Name (Novel): The original novel by André Aciman that inspired the film. Experience the full depth of Elio and Oliver’s story with beautifully written prose that delves into their inner thoughts and emotions.
• Call Me by Your Name (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Vinyl]: Experience the evocative soundtrack on vinyl. It includes original songs by Sufjan Stevens, classical pieces, and 80s hits that perfectly capture the film’s atmosphere.
• Peach Scented Candle: Capture the essence of that memorable scene with a peach-scented candle. Perfect for setting a romantic and sensual mood.
• Italy Travel Guide Lombardy Region: Plan your vacation with the exact places to visit shown in the movie with the locations in Lombardy, Italy.

🎧 Soundtrack

Call Me by Your Name features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Visions of Gideon” – performed by Sufjan Stevens
• “Mystery of Love” – performed by Sufjan Stevens
• “Hallelujah Junction” – performed by John Adams
• “Words” – performed by F.R. David

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet Discuss First Rehearsal

Ever wondered how actors prepare for intimate scenes? Watch Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet share an unforgettable story about their first rehearsal for ‘Call Me By Your Name’ on The Ellen Show. Their playful chemistry in this interview makes you appreciate their on-screen connection even more.

Call Me By Your Name Wins Best Adapted Screenplay

If you want to feel the thrill of ‘Call Me By Your Name’s’ critical triumph, watch this clip of the film winning Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars. The emotion and recognition in the room are palpable and will give you a newfound appreciation for the film’s impact.

Neil Patrick Harris Interviews Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet

Looking for a lighthearted and entertaining take on ‘Call Me By Your Name’? Check out this interview with Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. They share funny mishaps, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and their thoughts on the film’s themes.

Timothée Chalamet Discusses the Peach Scene

Dive into the mind of Timothée Chalamet as he analyzes the infamous peach scene from ‘Call Me By Your Name.’ His thoughtful insights and personal interpretation will give you a deeper understanding of the character’s emotions and the film’s exploration of desire and identity.

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