Resonant romance with powerful acting

Rating: 10/10 (26 March 2018)

Like Brokeback Mountain, this devastatingly sensuous romance features two people who meet and fall in love despite the risks of their relationship in a society that frowns upon such same-sex attraction. Elio and Oliver have a brief but powerful relationship that is still conflicted and messy. Oliver is not necessarily gay, but finds himself attracted to Elio anyway; Elio is trying to figure out what he wants and who he is.
Elio's parents are well played by Amira Casar and Michael Stuhlbarg, who gives one of the most punch-to-the-gut monologues in recent years during the final moments of the film. Both suspect and even encourage the relationship of their son as he explores his way into adulthood. Casar's performance is particularly understated, all knowing glances and hidden messages. She knows a lot more than the other characters believe she does. Stuhlbarg deserved an Oscar nomination for his portrayal as Elio's father, but he was sadly overlooked. He is excellent throughout, but his final scene with Elio is so well acted and filled with love, I felt like a raw nerve had suddenly become exposed inside of me, and Stuhlbarg had just strummed it like a guitar.
Armie Hammer gives a great performance as the brashy American who first upsets the apple (peach?) cart with his mannerisms and more aggressive personality. While physically he seems too old for the role (sparking some unnecessary controversy over the age gap between the two characters), he has a natural chemistry with Chalamet that is riveting. The two of them have to navigate a complex array of emotions with personality clashes and mockery slowly melting into attraction and love.
But this is Timothee Chalamet's film, and the young actor gives one of the most authentic performances I've seen in years. There isn't a moment that suggests he's just acting. While Elio is hardly a flashy character, that makes what Chalamet pulls off even more astonishing. He is the heart of this film, and the final scene as he stares into a fire should not be missed. It is powerful, endearing, emotional, and every bit worth the Oscar nomination he received (and probably should have won in all honesty).
This film is a heart-wrenching portrayal of new love, the difficulty of communication even in a multi-lingual world, all overshadowed with the inevitability of knowing it must come to an end. The best film I saw from 2017.