A ‘heart-wrenching’ love story for all

Wikipedia Commons

In a world stuck in the midst of a love drought, it’s very rare to find anything capable of reigniting the forgotten fires of passion and desire. With waves upon waves of hatred and negativity, we as people have forgotten the very things that make us human.

Through the beautiful, overwhelmingly heart-wrenching love story between two individuals, “Call Me By Your Name” delivers a stunning performance that deeply resonates with the hearts of its audience in a way that only true love can.

Nominated for four Oscars, “Call Me By Your Name” combines the simplistic artistry of an independent film with the content and quality of a million dollar blockbuster in telling the story of 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothee Chalamet) and the American graduate student Oliver (Armie Hammer) who spends the summer studying with the Perlman family.

The film takes place in the summer of 1983 in northern Italy causing the script to contain a beautiful blend of Italian, English and French, all of which contribute to the artistry of the film as a whole.

At first, Elio is quite unsure of Oliver and his mannerisms, often mocking his visitor’s “rude” way of saying “later” as his exit from every social setting. However, as the weeks pass, the two find themselves spending more and more time with one another, each equally, yet unknowingly, desperate for the presence of the other.

Together they explore the themes of musicality, sexuality and uncontainable desire as both struggle with allowing their feelings for one another to manifest. Though faced with struggles of jealousy and denial, Elio and Oliver inevitably fall in love, and as the weather heats up, so does their relationship.

The two embark on a journey filled with self-discovery and passionate sexual encounters, one in which Oliver delivers the title-dropping line, “Call me by your name and I will call you by mine.” The two proceed to continually whisper one another’s name to each other, the scene a beautiful display of the depth of love the two characters have for one another.

When the summer inevitably comes to an end, the time comes for Elio and Oliver to make a decision. Desperate for more time, Elio accompanies Oliver on a three-day trip that ultimately leads to Oliver’s departure from the train station.

When winter comes, the Perlmans receive a phone call from Oliver in which he wishes them Happy Hanukkah and informs them of his recent engagement to his on-again/off-again girlfriend of several years. Unbearingly heartbroken, Elio sits while his parents speak to Oliver. Before saying goodbye, he whispers “Elio…” For a moment, there’s nothing but silence and static coming from the receiver, but eventually, in a soft, quiet voice he hears, “Oliver.” It’s beautiful.

5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)