Will Wright’s review published on Letterboxd:
For a long time, I couldn't wait for this movie to be released (largely because of my simp-like affection for Sufjan Stevens). I did a bit of a 180º though after someone explained to me the problematic nature of the age gap present between the film's two main characters. I refused to watch it. Older men pursuing younger men are all too common within the LGBTQ+ community, so I couldn't justify supporting a film that seemingly portrayed such an unconventional relationship in a positive, romanticized light. How could I let a film give ammunition to right-wing bigots?
Once an opportunity to watch Call Me By Your Name came around without requiring me to pay to see it, I hopped on it. Needless to say, I was stunned by the beauty of the film and was completely caught off-guard by the emotions inside of me that it tugged at in a way that no other movie had before.
The age gap between Elio and Oliver should be questioned and should make you uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean that Call Me By Your Name should never have been realized. Thousands of young men and women alike experience complex, heartrending emotions and attractions as they grow into and explore themselves as young adults. Call Me By Your Name captures such a situation without necessarily endorsing the relationship between Elio and Oliver. For some good reading, look into "What Should We Make of Call Me by Your Name’s Age-Gap Relationship?" by Jeffrey Bloomer on Slate.com.
One of the film's best parts? Michael Stuhlbarg's monologue near the end of the movie. It wrecked me.
Thanks for reading, and have a gay day!