'Call Me by Your Name' is an airy, meditative look at a summer of sexual discovery.

Rating: 8/10 (1 January 2018)

'Call Me by Your Name' is an airy, meditative look at a summer of sexual discovery.
Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet--who was recently introduced to audiences in 'Ladybird' and is destined for an even bigger spotlight--bask in the Northern Italian countryside, soaking in each other's company as the camera drifts like a zephyr through the idyllic scenery.
The acting and cinematography particularly stand out, so much so that one must pity those (or themselves) who have to trudge back to their cars through crusty snow and single digit temperatures after watching these two lovebirds lounging in the sun for an entire summer.
Given the subject matter and release date, I suspect that various film executives hoped this film would replicate last year's success of 'Moonlight'--which, let's not forget, won the Oscar for Best Picture--yet 'Call Me by Your Name' is simply far less compelling. And while it served as a pleasant respite from the harsh winter, it felt more like a June release both in feel and overall impact.