Call Me by Your Name

Main Plot

Call Me by Your Name is set in the 1980s in northern Italy and follows the story of a 17-year-old boy named Elio who spends his summer with his family. During this time, an American graduate student named Oliver arrives to assist Elio's father with research. As the summer progresses, Elio and Oliver develop a deep and intense bond, exploring their feelings for each other amidst the backdrop of the picturesque Italian landscape. Their relationship evolves from friendship to a passionate romance, filled with moments of joy and longing. The film captures the complexities of first love, desire, and the bittersweet nature of fleeting experiences, as Elio navigates the challenges of his emotions and the societal expectations of the time. The story beautifully encapsulates the essence of youth and the impact of love that lingers long after the summer ends.

Characters

• Timothée Chalamet plays Elio Perlman, a 17-year-old who experiences a transformative summer romance with Oliver, a visiting graduate student, in 1980s Italy.
• Armie Hammer plays Oliver, a charming American scholar who develops a deep romantic relationship with Elio, the protagonist, during a summer in Italy.
• Michael Stuhlbarg plays Mr. Perlman, Elio's father, who provides wisdom and emotional support, especially during a pivotal conversation about love and acceptance.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Call Me by Your Name, the emotional culmination occurs after Elio and Oliver share a passionate summer romance in Italy. As the summer concludes, Oliver must return to the United States, leaving Elio heartbroken. The final scenes depict Elio grappling with his feelings of love and loss. After Oliver announces his engagement years later, Elio experiences a profound sense of longing and nostalgia. The film closes with a poignant moment where Elio sits by the fireplace, reflecting on their time together. The camera captures his tears, symbolizing both the joy of their memories and the pain of their separation. This ending resolves the main conflict of Elio's struggle with his identity and the intensity of first love. It emphasizes the bittersweet nature of love, showcasing how it can be both beautiful and painful. The narrative connects to the overarching themes of desire, memory, and the fleeting nature of youth, leaving viewers with a sense of melancholy and appreciation for the depth of human connection. Ultimately, Elio's journey highlights the lasting impact of love, even when it cannot be fully realized or sustained.