Film Review: Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Rating: 9/10

Genre: Drama/Romance

Related films: Moonlight, Blue is the Warmest Color, Carol

By Leanne Harragan

It’s 1983, 17 year-old Elio is spending his summer in his family’s home in Italy. When Oliver (an intern for Elio’s father) arrives, a desire arises that changes both of them.

My favourite cinema season is beginning to makes its way back round, Awards Season. Having already awed audiences at Sundance, this film is tipped to be an Oscar winner. I was super excited to see this film when I saw the trailer at the previous Screen Unseen. This film while it didn’t blow me away, did keep me enticed. When I first wrote this review back in November I didn't rate the film hugely; but after a second re-watch, I began to appreciate it much more.

There are some really nice features of this film, special mention to the scenery and all the sets they used because I really loved every scene, it was always so nicely put together and was pleasant to look at. I enjoyed the fact that parts of the film were in Italian, adding to the authenticity of the setting. 

The main cast of this film were also great; I especially enjoyed the bond between Elio (Timothèe Chalamet) and his father (Michael Stuhlbarg.) One of my favourite scenes was towards the end of the film when Elio and his father had a conversation about the summer that was coming to. Elio’s father spoke of how he wished that he had a relationship like Elio and Oliver had had and how he and his mother would accept Elio no matter what. Oliver (Armie Hammer) was another good character and Hammer brought cheekiness to the role as he often taunted Elio for his more innocent nature.

I think this coming-of-age film will go down a hit as audiences get to feel the raw devastating emotions of a life-changing summer fling in a sun-drenched city.

Gay Scale: A first for our blog, actual gay/bi characters who interact in a romantic way.