Summer Lovin': Review of Call Me by Your Name

Call Me By Your Name

Director: Luca Guadagnino

By Alex Watson

Fair warning before you see Luca Guadagnino's latest- this movie is heartbreaking in all kinds of ways. Call Me by Your Name is a movie that expertly and breathtakingly showcases the pain of true love. Set against the lush and stunning Northern Italy backdrop, this movie is far more just a feast for the eyes. Two magnificent central performances by Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer is what brings this piece to life and Luca Guadagnino emerges as Europe's new directorial threat.

During the summer of 1983, Elio (Timothée Chalamet) is spending his summer sunbathing, transcribing music and casually dating his girlfriend Marzia (Esther Garrel). His peaceful existence is interrupted by the arrival of Oliver (Armie Hammer) who arrives to assist his father (Michael Stuhlbarg). Over the next six weeks, a romantic connection ensues and Elio's world is turned inside out.

Any lovers of Guadagnino's previous work I Am Love and A Bigger Splash will be aware of how he can combine subtle humor with crippling emotional blows. Call Me by Your Name is a romantic film that sizzles in the summer heat. However, Guadagnino's brilliant piece is one that forces its audience to endure and as this tale slowly progress our hearts slowly crumble. A smart and well read 17-year-old, Elio is a confident and respected young man. Used to owning every room and dinner he visits, the arrival of Oliver automatically sends him into a flat spin. At first, disliking Oliver's natural charm and charisma, Elio attempts to avoid him. Its made apparently obvious that this unease is definitely physically related and the pair has a chemistry that is undeniable.  As the attraction between them intensifies, this sparks crackle all around.

Guadagnino's film fills its summer days with a variety of parties, dinner, dancing and endless relaxing by the pool and lakes. There is a lazy and peaceful feel to the flow of this movie, each day Elio dwells on his feelings is another lost opportunity. His parents seem aware of the budding romance between the pair and seem even to encourage it. One particularly emotional monologue by Stuhlbarg at the movie's climax is particularly heartbreaking. The pangs and longing of first love are beautifully expressed here- Guadagnino also finds some borderline creepy moments such as Elio smelling Oliver's bathing suit. Once the awkwardness melts away, a passionate love is born. Guadagnino isn't at all interested in showing explicit sex, instead, he focuses on the intimacy and the warm glow it brings. Before long the pair is becoming inseparable, but there is that inevitability that this will have to end soon.

Call Me by Your Name comes down hard on its audience during an overwhelming third act. The most poetic things about this movie are how little effect words have on the story. Every gesture, longing embrace, and pained expression tells us the whole story. Elio is shown to be a young man coming into his element but is shaken to the core over how raw and deep his feelings go. There is also a vibrancy and depth to the supporting characters too- Marzia is only a few brief moments of screen time has a profound effect. Even Elio's mother Annella (Amira Casar) is there to bring a tenderness when the movie most needs it. Few movies in 2017 are as earth-shattering as this one, the final shot is one of pure emotion. Take a moment to sit in your seat and get yourself together, you will definitely need it

Timothée Chalamet is a stunning find in Guadagnino's movie. Wearing the movie's heart on his sleeves, the young actor feels so natural it's impossible to believe he's acting. Feeling at ease with the movies rollercoaster of feelings, Chalamet is a talent that deserved to rewarded at this year's Oscars. Armie Hammer is also superb as the cocksure yet big-hearted Oliver. Coming across as the dreamy 'Odd Jew Out' All-American, Hammer draws both Elio and his audience to his brand of charm. One of the most dependable actors around, Hammer shows a newer and more rounded side to his talents. Never thought of as one for romance, this could a new career renaissance.

Call Me by Your Name will bend your heart into so many ways you will need to requisition a new one. A real romantic juggernaut, Luca Guadagnino's Suspiria remake will now be even more anticipated.