Rarely do I leave the cinema and wish I could just hit rewind and watch a film again, straight away. But such was the feeling after Luca Guadagnino's Call Me By Your Name came to an end.
Adapted from the novel of the same name by André Aciman, the film follows a blissful summer romance in Italy in 1983, between 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and the strapping American academic Oliver (Armie Hammer), who comes to stay with Elio's parents.
While Elio seems offset by Oliver's forthcoming nature at first, he soon becomes infatuated, as would any 17-year-old if Armie Hammer came to stay. But soon he discovers his feelings are not one-sided, and a passionate, young love grows between the two men who bond over academia, their Jewish heritage and the beauty of the Italian countryside surrounding them.
The perspective is very much Elio's as you see his immature obsession turn into real love, with Oliver remaining somewhat enigmatic, even when his feelings are made known. Their love truly sets butterflies fluttering and I have never smiled so much on leaving a cinema.
The central performances are completely enthralling - Hammer's Oliver has the poise and gentleness of the slightly older man, while Chalamet is plays the precocious teenager with all the depth of heartache one experience's with first love, while attempting to remain aloof and nonchalant when in the company of his friends and family.
The supporting parts, particularly Elio's parents played by Michael Stuhlbarg and Amira Casar, are played with warmth and affection, making the audience wish they could spend their holidays looking at archaeological finds with the family.
With a fantastic soundtrack from Sufjan Stevens, the film is warm, tender, with funny moments seamlessly interwoven between moments of intensity.
Look out for some epic dancing from Armie Hammer and an awkward moment involving some fruit, which provide some laughs and a bit of shock to give some relief between their intense relationship and shots of stunning countryside, all with a warm lens to create the haze of a summer love.
This is absolutely one of my favourite films of the year - as far as I'm concerned Guadagnino does not put a foot wrong and celebrates love in the most joyous way possible - surrounded by sunshine and scenery.
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