“Call Me by Your Name” released in 2017 is a groundbreaking and Oscar-winning piece of cinema. With no surprise, the film has a 95% rating on Tomatometer and 4.8/5 on Google reviews. The film is a coming of age romantic drama based in the summer of 1983 in Italy filmed by Luca Guadagnino. 

“Here’s the movie of the year for incurable romantics, a rapturous ode to a first love that sweeps you up on waves of dizzying eroticism and then sweetly, emphatically leaves you emotionally shattered,” said film critic Peter Travers. 

Timothée Chalamet, who plays 17-year-old Elio, and Armie Hammer, who plays 24-year-old Oliver, exhibit true sophistication and natural chemistry throughout the film. Oliver travels from the U.S. to Elio’s 17th century vista in Italy to be an intern for Elio’s father. Through the film, the audience can slowly see a sensual bond begin to form between Oliver and Elio. Although Elio is simultaneously in a relationship with Marzia (played by Esther Garrel), it will not stop Oliver and Elio from discovering something much deeper with each other. Elio internally fights with the quote from a book his mother had read to him: “Is it better to speak or die?” This quote becomes a turning point for Elio as he begins to rustle with how he should approach his attraction and romantic feelings for Oliver. Oliver and Elio dance cautiously around their attraction for one another; but in the end, express their awakening desire amongst the beautiful countryside of sun-drenched Italy. 

Besides being a superlative film, “Call Me by Your Name’s” soundtrack has a Google rating of 98% and truly amplifies the deep romance present in the film. With a combination of the 1980s classical and delirious songs, the soundtrack fits perfectly into the intent of the film. 

“A charming, airy time capsule of ’80s European synth-pop and bittersweet modern orchestral compositions, peppered with Stevens’ patented tenderness, the ‘Call Me by Your Name’ soundtrack feels like a mixtape curated by an adorably earnest teenager, hoping to show you just how smart – and how in love with you – he is. Our childhood summers may not have been as dreamlike as Elio’s (or full of peach-related amore), but this collection of songs might act as the perfect accompaniment the next time you weep silently in front of a fireplace, thinking of the loves that have passed you by,” said music critic Clint Worthington. 

The soundtrack simultaneously unites Elio’s personal life of music composition and piano with the external reality of his love for Oliver. 

“Call Me By Your Name” is taking the world by storm with rumors of a sequel beginning to stir. At the beginning of April, Guadagnino confirmed that there will be a sequel; Timothée Chalamet will continue to play Elio and Armie Hammer will again play Oliver. 

“Before coronavirus, I had a trip to the United States to meet a writer I love very much, whose name I don’t want to say, to talk about the second part [of ‘Call Me By Your Name’],” Guadagnino recently told La Repubblica. “Of course, it’s a great pleasure to work with Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Esther Garrel, and the other actors—they will all be in the new film.” 

Hopefully, after coronavirus passes the filming of the sequel will be back on track. In the meantime, we can patiently wait and re-watch the original film “Call Me by Your Name.” 

For movie watchers who have a sweet spot for romance or appreciation for vintage Italy, this is the movie for you. With time on our hands in quarantine and waiting for the sequel it is the perfect opportunity to watch “Call Me by Your Name”, available for rent on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play and Vudu.