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Call Me by Your Name

Call Me by Your Name is a 2017 romantic drama film directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by James Ivory, based on André Aciman’s 2007 novel of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Call Me by Your Name is a 2017 romantic drama film directed by Luca Guadagnino and written by James Ivory, based on André Aciman’s 2007 novel of the same name. Set in northern Italy in 1983, it follows the relationship that develops over one summer between 17-year-old Elio Perlman and Oliver, a 24-year-old assistant working with Elio’s father. The film received theatrical and streaming distribution in Canada and is part of the Canadian-viewed international arthouse and prestige-film canon.

Plot

The film is set in the summer of 1983 at a family villa in Lombardy, Italy. Elio Perlman becomes romantically involved with Oliver, a graduate student assisting Elio’s father, and their relationship develops over the course of the season.

Cast

The principal cast includes Timothée Chalamet as Elio Perlman, Armie Hammer as Oliver, and Michael Stuhlbarg as Samuel Perlman. Supporting cast members include Amira Casar, Esther Garrel, and Victoire Du Bois.

Adaptation

Call Me by Your Name is adapted from André Aciman’s 2007 novel of the same name. The screenplay was written by James Ivory, who won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Reception and significance

The film became widely discussed for its performances, direction, and portrayal of first love and desire. It is also notable for its critical and awards attention in the 2017–2018 awards season.

Sequel discussion

A sequel has been discussed publicly by the filmmakers and cast, and interviews have mentioned plans for one. However, no sequel film has been released.

Key facts

  • The film stars Timothée Chalamet as Elio Perlman and Armie Hammer as Oliver.
  • The story centers on a summer romance between a 17-year-old and an older visiting scholar in Italy.
  • It is adapted from André Aciman’s 2007 novel.
  • The film also features Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar, Esther Garrel, and Victoire Du Bois in supporting roles.
  • The film was released in 2017 and is rated R for sexual content, nudity, and some language.
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Canadian context

The film received theatrical and streaming distribution in Canada and is part of the Canadian-viewed international arthouse and prestige-film canon.

Frequently asked questions

Who is in the cast of Call Me by Your Name?
The main cast includes Timothée Chalamet as Elio Perlman, Armie Hammer as Oliver, and Michael Stuhlbarg as Samuel Perlman. Other credited cast members include Amira Casar, Esther Garrel, and Victoire Du Bois.
What is the plot of Call Me by Your Name?
Set in northern Italy in 1983, the film follows 17-year-old Elio Perlman and Oliver, a 24-year-old assistant to Elio’s father, as they develop a romantic relationship over one summer.
Is Call Me by Your Name a book?
Yes. The film is based on André Aciman’s 2007 novel Call Me by Your Name.
Call Me by Your Name ending explained
By the end, Elio and Oliver are separated, and the film closes with Elio reflecting on their relationship and his feelings. The ending emphasizes memory, loss, and the lasting emotional effect of the summer romance.
Age difference in Call Me by Your Name
Elio is 17 years old and Oliver is 24 years old in the story, making their age difference seven years.
Is there a sequel to Call Me by Your Name?
No sequel film has been released. Sequels have been discussed publicly, but no completed follow-up is currently available.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_Me_by_Your_Name_(film)
    Supports: Director, screenplay, source novel, setting, main cast, and sequel discussion
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5726616/
    Supports: Release year, basic plot, and cast
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/call_me_by_your_name
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, and rating
  4. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/call-me-by-your-name/umc.cmc.4qs91ldaqauuwed1v8i1dz1c7
    Supports: Runtime, release year, director, cast, and rating
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80169498
    Supports: Synopsis and cast list