The inaugural movie of the month is Luca Guadagnino’s rated-R love story, Call Me By Your Name (2017). This film is a love story between two men, and is set in northern Italy during the summer of 1983. The two main characters are Elio, who is played by Timothee Chalamet, and Oliver, who is played by Armie Hammer.

The two meet when Oliver visits Italy to study with Elio’s father. Oliver stays in Elio’s room while Elio moves to the guest bedroom next-door. Elio and his family are Jewish; Oliver is also Jewish, although he is more upfront about it. The first time Elio and Oliver have a real connection is when Oliver comes over to Elio and gives him a back rub. However, Elio doesn’t quite reciprocate well.

Oliver is a very intellectual person; he is open and confident in his body and his presence. Oliver likes physical touch. On the other hand, Elio is shy and more closed off. Elio is a very talented and passionate piano player, and he enjoys changing and writing music. When it comes to their feelings for each other, Oliver seems certain of them, whereas Elio doesn’t quite know what to make of it. He just knows that there is a deep connection between him and Oliver, though there is a girl that Elio seems to be close with. Elio and Oliver share a kiss at Elio’s favorite spot, which is a turning point in how they act towards each other.

As the film progresses, you can see them realize their feelings for each other and grow closer and more comfortable. One thing that Elio and Oliver like to do is to call each other by their names (Elio calls Oliver Elio and vice versa). Towards the end of the movie, Elio starts to realize that Oliver will have to go back to America soon. Elio and Oliver have a chance to go away together before Oliver must leave. When the time comes for Oliver to leave it is a heart-wrenching moment, as over the course of the film you’ve seen them fall in love. Elio is extremely sad when Oliver leaves, as now Elio is alone again. The last line of the movie is, “Elio” said by Elio’s mom; it’s a beautiful way to end the movie as it represents Elio and Oliver and their love.

Not only does this film have a beautiful story, but the visuals in this movie are also beautiful. Filmed in the city of Crema at the Piazza del Duomo, the colors compliment the scenes very nicely. Since it takes place in summer, the greenery in this film looks amazing.

The house it takes place in is abundantly open with nature and is visually appealing. The cinematography of this film was so beautiful, there would be scenes that felt like you were right there with the characters. Other scenes would seem to cut early, but it worked rather well. Something that carried throughout the entire film was the beautiful piano ballads, which started out the film and set its mood. There were only three songs with lyrics in them, and they all played after something important happened between Elio and Oliver, which was a cool directorial/production choice. Overall this was an amazing movie and I would definitely recommend watching it for yourself.