Call Me by Your Name

As the languid summer days stretch out before them, Elio (actor name) and Oliver embark on a tentative friendship, with Elio serving as Oliver's reluctant tour guide. Initially, Elio is put off by Oliver's outgoing nature, viewing him as arrogant and insufferable. However, when the opportunity arises, Oliver's gentle touch sets Elio's shoulders aflame, prompting a recoil that belies the simmering tension between them. As they engage in witty repartee, Elio begins to see Oliver in a new light, acknowledging his initial harsh judgment.

A chance encounter in town reveals Oliver's flirtatious side as he dances and shares tender moments with a local girl, Chiara. Elio, meanwhile, joins Marzia (Esther Garrel) for a midnight dip in the pool, the soundtrack of "Love My Way" lingering in their minds like a promise unfulfilled. The next day, Elio confides in Oliver about his near-miss encounter with Chiara, marking a turning point in their relationship as Elio becomes increasingly drawn to Oliver.

As the days pass, Elio finds himself tagging along on an excavation site, eager to spend more time with Oliver and navigate the unspoken emotions that have begun to simmer between them. Meanwhile, Elio's mother shares a poignant tale about a prince torn between speaking his truth or risking everything by remaining silent. It is in this context that Elio, without explicitly stating his feelings, conveys his sentiments to Oliver, who responds by asking him to pretend the moment never occurred.

The following day, Elio takes Oliver on a detour to his beloved creek, where they indulge in playful revelry and share their first kiss under the warm sun. Though Elio yearns for more, Oliver insists that they should leave things as they are, cautioning against crossing any lines.

As the days unfold, Elio's wardrobe begins to reflect his growing emotional connection with Oliver, adorning himself with a Jewish star necklace reminiscent of Oliver's own. However, Oliver seemingly disappears from view, leaving Elio feeling bereft and uncertain. In an effort to fill the void, Elio turns to Marzia, and as they finally give in to their desires, he is met with her concerns about being hurt.

As the summer draws to a close, Elio must confront the complexities of his emotions and navigate the uncharted territory that lies ahead.

As the tender notes of longing finally take shape in written form, Elio's anxieties are palpable as he pens a heartfelt missive to Oliver - "can't stand the silence, need to speak to you" - and leaves it nestled beneath Oliver's door. The reply arrives swiftly, bearing the brusque yet tantalizing message: "grow up. I'll see you at midnight". Elio's nocturnal reverie is punctuated by a second dalliance with Marzia, only to surrender to his true desires when he reunites with Oliver that evening. As they finally surrender to their passion, the air is thick with intimacy as Oliver whispers sweet nothings: "Call me by your name, and I'll call you by mine". Elio obliges, while Oliver reciprocates in kind.

The following day, Oliver's jaunt into town becomes a catalyst for Elio's pursuit. As Oliver basks in the glow of their newfound connection, his concerns regarding the potential pitfalls of their relationship are palpable. He worries that he might irreparably damage the innocence and vulnerability that has drawn him to Elio. The young man's response is unequivocal: he yearns to be with Oliver, to surrender to the thrill of discovery and the warmth of human connection.

Elio's subsequent reverie is a poignant exploration of his inner world. As he indulges in the sweet succulence of a ripe peach, his desires become all-consuming. The aftermath of his climax leaves the fruit strewn on the dresser, an unintentional testament to his unbridled passion. When Oliver stumbles upon this evidence later, Elio's tears flow like a river, his anguish palpable as he begs Oliver not to leave him behind.

As their bond continues to deepen, Marzia's queries regarding Elio's sudden disappearance only serve to exacerbate her distress. Her friend's inability to provide an explanation leaves her bereft of solace.

The countdown to Oliver's departure is marked by a bittersweet sense of urgency. Three days in Bergamo become a poignant farewell, as the two young lovers take their leave of the Perlmans and embark on a journey of self-discovery. The bus ride to Bergamo becomes a catalyst for intimacy, as they wander hand in hand, drink in hand, and surrender to the whims of fate.

In the midst of this whirlwind romance, Oliver's ears are attuned to the sweet serenade of "Love My Way", his feet moving in tandem with the music as he dances through the streets. The gravity of their impending separation becomes increasingly palpable, as they cling to every moment, every glance, and every whispered promise.

Their final farewell is a heart-wrenching exploration of the bittersweet nature of love. As Oliver boards the train, his absence leaves Elio reeling, tears streaming down his face like raindrops on a summer day. The car ride home becomes an exercise in introspection, as Elio's sorrow and longing for his departing lover threaten to consume him whole.

As Elio returns to his hometown, he's met with a warm reception from Marzia, who reassures him that their friendship remains unbroken. Mr. Perlman, ever the sage, takes notice of Elio's lingering sadness and offers words of wisdom. He reminds Elio that what he shared with Oliver was no ordinary bond - it was a profound connection that transcended mere friendship. Perlman cautions Elio against numbing his emotions to avoid grief, warning that this would also silence the joy that once flowed from his experience with Oliver. With a hint of envy, Perlman confesses that while he came close to understanding their unique connection, he never quite reached the same depth.

As Christmas descends upon the Perlmans' cozy home, Elio's world is blanketed in snow and filled with the sweet scent of nostalgia. The phone rings, shattering the peaceful atmosphere: it's Oliver calling from afar. As they reconnect, Oliver shares his news - he's engaged to be married. The Perlmans, ever eager to join the conversation, jump on the line before respectfully excusing themselves, leaving Elio and Oliver to reminisce alone. In this poignant moment, Elio confides in Oliver that they've always treated him like a part of their family, as if he were their own son-in-law. The two friends exchange affectionate words, their voices filled with warmth and familiarity. As the Christmas dinner preparations unfold, Elio retreats to sit by the fireplace, his eyes welling up with tears - a poignant reminder that even in joyous times, nostalgia can be bittersweet.