“Call Me By Your Name,” is a romantic drama from director Luca Guadagnino based on Andre Aciman’s novel of the same name. Talked about for months and praised for subtle and tender beauty, it is safe to surmise that the film is one of the finest films of the last year, and for many reasons.

Set somewhere in the Italian countryside in the summer of 1983, the story follows musical prodigy Elio Perlman (Timothee Chalamet), the son of a prestigious archaeology professor, Mr. Perlman (Michael Stuhlbarg). Every summer, Mr. Perlman allows one of his graduate students to live with him and his family for six weeks for research. The student in question is Oliver (Armie Hammer), a carefree and extroverted person who initially gains the ire of Elio due to his lackadaisical attitude. However, as the days and weeks set in and Elio begins to warm to Oliver, their unexpected friendship begins to bloom into romance.

From the start, the performances were stunning. Chalamet gives a career-defining performance as Elio, and he manages to represent this character in so many emotional and relatable ways with how he is with everyone and how to manage his feelings with the world around him, portraying at once a happy and ambitious person and an achingly sad kid at his most vulnerable to expert precision. Hammer does not stray behind either as he exudes charisma and presence whenever he is on the screen, showcasing a playboy style in a likable way.

Not to be outdone, Stuhlbarg remains quite possibly the most underrated actor in Hollywood as he gives a committed and understated performance as Elio’s father, who steals the show from the two principal actors during the closing scenes of the film in a way that I will not spoil.

The romance between Elio and Oliver works so well because of the impeccable chemistry between Chalamet and Hammer. Their story is greatly aided by the picturesque Italian countryside showcased through gorgeous cinematography and fantastic music一from “Love My Way” by The Psychedelic Furs to the original songs provided by Sufjan Stevens.

The direction by Guadagnino is pitch perfect, working with an equally strong script by film legend James Ivory, as they weave a tale of love that can be applied to anyone, not just between two men.

All of this eventually coalesces into quite possibly one of the greatest endings ever put on screen, not only for the journey that was experienced by both the characters and the audience, but by the strong emotional punch that is delivered in the final 20 minutes.

A masterpiece of the romance genre, “Call Me by Your Name” does not deserve to be missed by anyone.

Film: “Call Me by Your Name”
Directed by: Luca Guadagnino
Release Date: Nov. 24, 2017
Rating: 5 out of 5