Having watched Call Me By Your Name seven times since it premiered worldwide in January, I can say with confidence that it’s one of my all-time favorite films. I’ve made watching it into an event. I get into pajamas, wash my face, make tea, and turn it on. Like wine and George Clooney, it’s a movie that only gets better with time.
Still, I’ve met so many people (too many) who haven’t yet seen it. Their reasons range from “I don’t have time” to “I couldn’t care less about it.” I’m here to change all of their minds.
Here’s a definitive list of reasons why you should watch Call Me By Your Name as soon as possible.
1. It’s an honest portrayal of bisexuality.
The story follows seventeen-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) and his exploration of identity. He is shown to have physical and emotional relationships with both men and women, and while he shows a clear preference for Oliver (Armie Hammer), he doesn’t draw a clear line between what gender he prefers. Nor is he asked to pick a side. Elio’s sexuality is given room for his own interpretation and expression, and no one questions it.
2. Speaking of which, Elio’s parents are the picture of how family and friends of LGBTQ+ folk should act.
Besides not questioning their son’s sexuality, they allow him to feel comfortable confiding in them or asking for advice about love and sex. There are several scenes dedicated to these very conversations between Elio and his parents, and it’s lovely to see such openness and acceptance between generations.
3. It features Jewish characters who aren’t stereotypes.
I’ve seen a fair share of cinema that pokes fun at Jewish people. The Merchant of Venice, anyone? Men with big noses who are riddled with greed; mothers who nag and smother their sons – these are all stereotypical characteristics that Call Me By Your Name dutifully avoids. In fact, Oliver teaches Elio to embrace wearing his Jewish star, something Oliver wears which initially attracts Elio to him. The film's snippet of Hanukkah’s menorah-lighting ceremony even comes with the connotation that Elio has accepted his religious and sexual identities. Being Jewish isn't the punchline of a joke here, but rather an aspect of self-discovery.
4. The cinematography will give you wanderlust.
This movie is stunning, point blank. Set “somewhere in northern Italy,” CMBYN plays like a love letter for summer, capturing all that warmth and vibrancy we’re nostalgic for in the winter months. It will leave you with an itch for a bike ride under the Italian sun.
5. Segue to my next point: the bikes.
Director Luca Guadagnino gives us extensive shots of Elio and Oliver biking through the town. Underscored by upbeat piano, the bikes only add to the feeling of freedom that summer brings.
6. The soundtrack is magical.
Two words. Sufjan Stevens. Never has an artist’s music worked more perfectly with a film. Stevens captures the mysticism and vulnerability of the relationship between Elio and Oliver so beautifully, that you’ll find yourself listening to his album long after the movie has ended.
7. Another two words. Timothée Chalamet.
Nominated for Best Actor at just 22, Chalamet shines as Elio. Having learned to speak Italian and play Bach on piano (with Busoni and Liszt alterations), Chalamet displays not only talent but determination in pinpointing his character. As Elio, he illustrates the inner dialogue of an outwardly-confident boy trying to connect with his world. We feel Elio’s thoughts clearly in a story where most things go unspoken.
8. Finally, the peach scene.
No spoilers here, but if you watch the movie, you’ll finally know what John Mulaney and Nick Kroll were talking about in their opening monologue for the Spirit Awards.
Now go watch it, and come back when you’re just as obsessed as the rest of us.
