A modern cinematic masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (31 March 2019)

I have seen a lot of films, but only very few stay with me weeks - even months - after viewing. And I'm a complete sucker for romantic films so I was very excited for this release.
Where do I begin?
First of all, despite I am still yet to see Darkest Hour (and I'm sure Gary Oldman's performance is as sublime as everyone has said), I was living in great hope that Timothee Chalamet would take the Oscar home for his completely unforgettable, raw and authentic portrayal of the character Elio. For the fact I recently discovered some of my favourite scenes were improvised e.g. the closing scene where he sits by the fireplace and looks directly at the camera with a face full of woe, just goes to show how talented he is. He captures the pure essence of a teenager experiencing first love: the confusion, the frustration, the tension, the excitement - all shown through his facial expressions that even in the most subtle ways scream unconcealed emotion. I think this breakthrough role will bring him more success in the future, hopefully resulting in an Academy Award.
The scenery, the music, the characters and the plot as a whole concocts the most eloquent romance film I think I have ever seen. (The only film I could compare it to, regardless of its parallel topics, but with more focus on the artistry of the filmmaking and the authenticity of the relationships would be Blue is the Warmest Colour). It is so because the chemistry between Armie Hammer and Timothee is beyond perfection. You almost forget they're acting because the connection between them is so real. You become so invested in this powerful relationship that they slowly develop, that it is merely impossible for you not to feel as if your heart has been smashed by the end (a bit exaggerated, but that's just how I felt after first watching). Maybe my empathy towards Elio is greater due to the fact the first time I saw this film I was dealing with my own heartbreak which made my overwhelming sadness become strangely beautiful, but also more intense: after being intoxicated with a sensory overload of rich Italian summer landscapes, a gorgeous soundtrack, peaches, and wonderful characters. The scene where Elio is in the car with his mother is what really got to me. But it gave me some sort of reassurance and reminder that other people experience this kind of inexplicable pain: saying goodbye to your first love and not knowing how to cope with your grief.
I would also just like to say how I think Armie Hammer and/or Michael Stuhlbarg could have been nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Both of their performances were just outstanding, and I think Michael's monologue near the end of the film can only be described in one word: flawless. It's incredibly refreshing to portray a parental figure in such a positive light considering the main theme of the film which deals with sexuality and the underlying fear of shame when coming out.
On the whole, I would recommend this film to everyone and anyone. No matter what your sexuality is, you will find it is very relatable. I hope my review has summarised the sheer excellence of the characters and the actors, but what perfectly summarises the soul of the film would be Sufjan Stevens' "Mystery of Love".