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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023): Cast & Ratings

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023) movie poster

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a 2023 drama directed by Aitch Alberto, starring Max Pelayo as Aristotle Mendoza, Reese Gonzales and Eugenio Derbez. It is based on Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes and earned $407,838 worldwide. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
88%
worldwide gross
$407.8K
Echo Score
71
Metascore
69
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m (96 min)
Director
Aitch Alberto
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe About?

The premise of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe without spoilers, adapted from Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Set in El Paso, 1987, this coming-of-age story follows two teenage boys, Aristotle and Dante, who seem to have little in common. Despite their differences, an unlikely friendship develops as they confront issues of identity, family, and cultural expectations. Through their evolving relationship, they explore the challenges of belonging and experience the joys and uncertainties of first love.

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Cast & crew

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Cast & Characters

Max Pelayo leads the cast as Aristotle Mendoza, with Reese Gonzales as Dante Quintana and Eugenio Derbez as Jaime Mendoza. Directed by Aitch Alberto; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

· 16 more
Ratings

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (58).

71 /100

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Echo Score Breakdown

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe lands as a warmly received coming‑of‑age adaptation that excels in performance and emotional honesty while stumbling over narrative depth and occasional predictability. Critics and audiences alike commend the lead actors, the tender direction, and the film's inclusive themes, yet note the omission of key book elements and a uneven third act. The net effect is a solid, heartfelt work that rewards viewers despite its structural weaknesses.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film is praised for its meticulous care and mature tonal balance. Critics highlight strong individual scenes and a sensible production design that supports the story, while some note predictability and a lack of cinematic boldness. Overall, the technical execution is competent and contributes positively to the viewing experience.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When evaluating acting and emotional resonance, the lead performances receive consistent acclaim for their authenticity and chemistry. Reviewers appreciate the nuanced portrayal of Ari and Dante, though several point out the limited backstory for supporting characters and occasional shallow depth. The characters generally succeed in engaging the audience, establishing a solid emotional core despite minor narrative gaps.

  • Story & Flow 58

    Storytelling is described as engaging yet uneven, with a clear premise that sometimes meanders. Critics and users commend the tender resonance of the central friendship but criticize predictable plot turns and a third‑act that feels off‑track. The adaptation omits portions of the source material, affecting coherence and originality, resulting in a mixed overall narrative impression.

  • Sensory Experience 62

    Sensory elements such as soundtrack and visual style receive modest attention, with reviewers noting a suitable but unremarkable aesthetic. The film’s sound design and scoring complement the period setting without standing out, and the cinematography supports the narrative without ambitious flair. Consequently, the sensory experience is competent though not distinctive.

  • Rewatch Factor 78

    Rewatch value is high among audiences who cite multiple viewings and lasting emotional impact. Users express affection for the film’s heartfelt moments and its relevance to personal identity exploration, leading to repeated engagement. While critics do not focus heavily on replayability, the overall audience sentiment indicates strong lasting appeal.

Plot

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Plot Summary

What happens in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the scorching summer of 1987, El Paso was home to a tempestuous teenager named Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza, who simmered with anger over his parents’ evasive explanations regarding his imprisoned brother, Bernardo. His life began to change dramatically when he crossed paths with Dante Quintana, a vibrant and free-spirited fellow Mexican-American, during a visit to a public pool. In the midst of laughter and water splashes, Ari uncovered the contrasting tapestry of Dante’s life, rich with art, poetry, and a profound appreciation for the mysteries of the night sky.

Full summary

The whole story of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Box Office

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe grossed $407,838 worldwide.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$407.8K

US & Canada
$407.8K
Videos

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser and 3 clips.

Trailer
  • Teaser Trailer Teaser
  • Clip More Snack
  • Clip Mi Hijo
  • Clip Trailer w/ Intro
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Where does Ari first meet Dante?

Details

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Also Known As

19 alternative titles, including “Os Segredos do Universo por Aristóteles e Dante” and “Aristote et Dante découvrent les secrets de l'univers”.

Also known as
  • Os Segredos do Universo por Aristóteles e Dante
  • Aristote et Dante découvrent les secrets de l'univers
  • Aristóteles Y Dante Descubren Los Secretos Del Universo
  • Аристотель и Данте открывают секреты Вселенной
  • 아리스토텔레스와 단테
  • 우주의 비밀을 발견하다
  • Аристотель и Данте открывают тайны Вселенной
  • ארי ודנטה מגלים את סודות היקום
  • Aristotle và Dante Khám Phá Những Bí Mật Của Vũ Trụ
  • Ο Αριστοτέλης και ο Δάντης Ανακαλύπτουν τα Μυστικά του Σύμπαντος
  • 宇宙奥秘狂想曲
  • Арістотель і Данте розкривають таємниці Всесвіту
+7 more
  • Aristoteles und Dante entdecken die Geheimnisse des Universums
  • Aristotle And Dante : Discover The Secrets Of The Universe - 2022
  • Aristoteles a Dante odhalují záhady vesmíru
  • Aristotle és Dante a világmindenség titkainak nyomában
  • Arystoteles i Dante odkrywają sekrety wszechświata
  • 那些與初戀有關的祕密
  • ห้วงรักจักรวาลใจ

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FAQ

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe?

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).

When was Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe released?

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was released on September 8, 2023.

Who directed Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe?

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was directed by Aitch Alberto.

More films by Aitch Alberto

Who is in the cast of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe?

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe stars Max Pelayo as Aristotle Mendoza, Reese Gonzales as Dante Quintana and Eugenio Derbez as Jaime Mendoza, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe make at the box office?

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe grossed $407,838 worldwide.

How is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe rated?

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe has 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic, 75% on TMDB and 3.2/5 on Letterboxd.

Is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe based on a book?

Yes. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is adapted from Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe have a post-credit scene?

No. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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