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7 Reasons to Get Excited for Call Me By Your Name

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cornell chapter.

Call Me By Your Name premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and received rave reviews. It follows the story of a 17 year-old boy named Elio as he discovers himself and falls in love over a summer in Italy. It will be in theaters in limited release on November 24, so it’s time to start getting really excited for what is sure to be one of the most impactful movies of the year. If you haven’t heard of it or just haven’t had to chance to learn much about it yet, here are seven reasons you’re going to absolutely love Call Me By Your Name.

1. It’s already a frontrunner for Best Picture

Yes, Call Me By Your Name hasn’t even hit theaters for the public yet, but it’s already being considered one of the top contenders for the highly coveted Oscar for Best Picture. You’re not going to want to miss out on a movie that’s been getting top marks from nearly everyone who’s seen it, and you’re certainly going to want to have watched the best movie of the year.

 

2. The music

The album for Call Me By Your Name has already been released, and the music is breathtaking. Featuring many songs by Sufjan Stevens, the soundtrack also mixes in classical music and 80s hits. Stevens’ song “Mystery Of Love” is a contender for Best Original Song at the Oscars. Listen to the soundtrack now and be transported back in time to a summer full of hope and discovery.

 

3. It’s helping reduce heteronormativism

Following Moonlight last year, there’s been an influx of movies portraying homosexual relationships, especially stories centered around young people discovering their sexuality. Movies like Call Me By Your Name are beginning to eliminate the heteronormative media bias. Having acclaimed movies featuring homosexual relationships is especially necessary in our current political climate, as they increase the visibility of and help normalize homosexual relationships, helping those who may be questioning their sexuality to feel more comfortable with who they are.

 

4. Its lush setting in Lombardy

You couldn’t ask for a better place for self-discovery than the gorgeous landscape of Lombardy, Italy. It will make for some amazing shots in the film and enhance the viewing experience, helping the viewer feel swept away into the summer romance.

 

5. The time period

The movie takes place in the summer of 1983, and the visuals and music help to take the viewer back to a different time. With the bright clothes, the big hair and changing societal views, the 1980s is the perfect era for this story.

 

6. The cast

Every member of the cast for this movie is superb, from relative newcomer Timothée Chalamet and seasoned actor Armie Hammer as the leads that capture your heart to Michael Stuhlbarg and Amira Casar who are, according to critics, spectacular as Elio’s parents.

 

7. It’s a simple and beautiful coming-of-age story

The story overall is at once intriguing and touching, and I think this movie is sure to have a big effect on its viewers. Who doesn’t love a good coming of age story, especially when acted by such compelling actors in a stunning setting?

 

Though only being released in Los Angeles and New York on November 24, in the following weeks it will slowly start to be released in more movie theaters across the country. Make sure to keep a close eye on when it will be playing near you, because it may not be in theaters for too long. Trust me, this is a movie you’re not going to want to miss.

Asian Studies major who enjoys horseback riding, crochet, singing, and musical theater. Passionate about public service and addressing economic inequality and women's, LGBTQ+ and minority rights.
Elizabeth Li

Cornell '19

Junior at Cornell University and President/Campus Correspondent of Her Campus Cornell