A coming-of-age film disguised as a romance, “Call Me By Your Name” follows Elio, a seventeen year old Italian-American. His parents invite Oliver, a doctoral student, to stay with the family in their villa in rural Italy, for the summer. Over time, Elio and Oliver begin to bond and eventually develop a relationship.

I describe this film as a coming of age film instead of as a romance because the film is much more about Elio’s self discovery than it is about Elio and Oliver’s relationship. Their affair simply acts as a stepping stone in Elio’s ascension to adulthood.

Large amounts of time are devoted to Elio’s relationship with his parents and his friend Marzia, whom he becomes romantically involved with as well.

Timothee Chalamet (Elio) and Armie Hammer (Oliver) give spectacular performances. Michael Stuhlbarg is also notable for his remarkable portrayal as Elio’s father. The screenplay is a first by long time director James Ivory, and it is wonderful.

Elio is quite possibly the most realistic teenager to ever be portrayed in film; sometimes acting extremely mature and other times like a child. He is confused about what he wants in life and has difficulties expressing his emotions.

As a whole, the film is very realistic. Its pacing is definitely slow, but won’t put its audience to sleep. The plot unfolds gradually, but remains emotionally engaging.

Character’s thoughts and emotions are displayed primarily through their actions and facial expressions, rather than simply stated outright.

I believe the film will be a bit challenging for American audiences due to its very European style and subject matter. Though the film itself is American, the director is Italian and the film takes place in Italy. Thus, the pacing is slow and the film itself is a bit provocative. It is not a film one simply sits back and absorbs, but instead forces its audience to think.

It takes a very casual approach to sex that is sometimes even humorous. Most importantly, the film tackles a gay relationship in a way that few other American films have before. Instead of dwelling on the fact that the characters are in a homosexual relationship or focusing on external forces that make the relationship impossible, the film simply centers around the relationship itself. In fact, there are almost no instances where someone opposes their relationship; it is even encouraged by Elio’s parents. The fact that Elio and Oliver are both men is of little to no importance throughout the film. Unfortunately, this becomes significant because there are so few films where such is the case.

Overall, everything about “Call Me By Your Name” is breathtaking. I struggle to find any flaws in it. Even the soundtrack is addictive.

I saw this film in early November at the St. Louis Film Festival and plan to see it again. The film was given a limited release on Nov. 24 and, though it is not currently playing here, it will hopefully receive a wider release soon.

A hit at the Sundance, Toronto, and New York film festivals, this movie is definitely worth the effort to see.