When a deeply repressed man encounters an uninhibited young man who gives him a happy ending, their exploration of sexuality leads to chaos and ruins the lives of others.
In 1980s Italy, romance blossoms between a seventeen-year-old student and the older man hired as his father's research assistant. In the summer of 1983, somewhere in northern Italy, seventeen-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothee Chalamet) is living with his parents (Michael Stuhlbarg and Amira Casar). His father, a professor of archaeology, has a graduate student come every summer to help with his research, and this year's student, Oliver (Armie Hammer) arrives to stay with the Perlmans. Elio gives up his room so Oliver can stay in there. With not much else to do, the two begin spending time together, with Elio showing Oliver around. The cerebral Elio finds gregarious Oliver to be arrogant - he doesn't like him very much. When everyone is out sunbathing and playing volleyball, Oliver lightly massages Elio's shoulder, and he recoils at the touch. But as Oliver continues prodding the moody Elio to hang out, they develop a back and forth banter. Elio writes to himself that he was too harsh to Oliver at first, he thought Oliver didn't like him. One night in town, Elio and his friend Marzia (Esther Garrel) see Oliver dancing and kissing a local girl, Chiara. The DJ plays 'Love My Way,' and Elio joins the dancing - afterward, he and Marzia go swimming in the night. The next day, he tells Oliver he almost had sex with her. Elio becomes increasingly interested in Oliver, tagging along on an excavation to spend time with him. Elio's mother reads a story about a knight who is unable to tell a princess he loves her. 'Is it better to speak or to die?' asks the prince. On a trip into town, Elio, without saying it explicitly, lets Oliver know he has feelings for him. Oliver tells him to pretend he never said that. On the way home, Elio takes Oliver to a creek that he calls his place. After playing in the water, they lay out in the sun and share a kiss. Elio wants to keep going, but Oliver tells him they haven't done anything wrong yet and should leave it there. Elio begins wearing a Jewish star necklace just like Oliver's, but Oliver is seemingly nowhere to be found over the next few days, seemingly avoiding Elio. Elio begins spending more time with Marzia. She tells Elio she's worried he's going to hurt her. He assuages her, and the two finally have sex. Elio writes and throws out note after note to Oliver - he finally settles on 'can't stand the silence, need to speak to you,' and leaves it under Oliver's door. He gets a note back that says, 'grow up. I'll see you at midnight.' Elio has sex with Marzia again, and then that evening goes to see Oliver. The two finally sleep together. Oliver tells Elio, 'Call me by your name, and I'll call you by mine.' Elio calls Oliver Elio. Oliver calls Elio Oliver. The next day, Oliver goes into town, and Elio follows him. Oliver is happy they slept together, but doesn't want Elio to regret anything. He worries he might mess him up. Elio just wants to be with Oliver, he says. Later, Elio is eating a peach and uses it to masturbate with. He finishes in the peach and leaves it on the dresser. When Oliver finds him later, he realizes what happened and goes to playfully eat the peach when Elio bursts into tears. He doesn't want Oliver to go. They continue spending time together, getting closer and more and more intimate. Marzia comes by to look for Elio, wondering why he's disappeared on her. He can't provide any explanation, leaving her devastated. Oliver's last stop before leaving the country is three days working in Bergamo. Elio's parents think it might be nice for Elio to go with him, so Oliver says goodbye to the Perlmans and the two of them take a bus to Bergamo. Alone together, the two see the sights, go out in the evening, and get drunk. Oliver hears 'Love My Way' playing from a car and runs towards it, dancing to the song. Finally, Oliver has to leave, and the two have a long hug goodbye. Elio watches Oliver get on the train and leave, and calls his mother to come pick him up from the station. He cries during the car ride home. Back in town, he encounters Marzia. She tells him she isn't mad at him, and the two agree to always be friends. Mr. Perlman notices how sad Elio is, and tells him that what he had with Oliver was a truly special friendship - more than a friendship. He tells Elio not to cut himself off from his feelings to not feel grief because then you lose the ability to feel the kind of joy he felt with Oliver. He tells him he came close, but never had the kind of connection that they had. The following winter, snow is everywhere. Chanukah candles are lit and latkes (traditional potato pancakes) are being prepared for the holiday dinner. Elio answers the ringing phone: it's Oliver calling. They tell each other they miss each other, then Oliver shares his news: he's engaged. The Perlmans jump on the line to say hello but then leave Elio and Oliver to speak. Elio tells Oliver they know about them, Oliver guessed as much. He says they always treated him like one of the family, as a son-in-law. They call each other by their names one more time, and Oliver tells Elio he remembers everything. Elio goes and sits in front of the fireplace, eyes welling up with tears as dinner is about to be served.
Simon Spier is a high school student who hides a secret from his loved ones: he's gay. When his secret is put at risk, Simon must confront his identity and find acceptance.
Moonlight (2016) is a film that tells the story of a young African-American man named Chiron who grapples with his identity and sexuality while navigating the challenges of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The film is divided into three parts, exploring different stages of Chiron's life. In Part I, Chiron, also known as Little, forms a bond with a drug dealer named Juan and his girlfriend Teresa, who provide him with guidance and support in a turbulent home environment. In Part II, Chiron is a teenager dealing with bullying at school and a complex relationship with his mother. He also develops a close friendship with his classmate Kevin that evolves into a brief romantic encounter. Part III follows Chiron as a grown man living in Atlanta, where he works as a drug dealer and reconnects with Kevin after years apart. Throughout the film, Moonlight explores themes of identity, sexuality, masculinity, and the effects of trauma and societal pressures on personal development.
Maurice is a heartwarming drama and romance film based on a novel. It explores the themes of forbidden love, homophobia, and coming of age. Set in Cambridge University in early 20th century England, the movie follows Maurice, a young man struggling with his own sexuality and navigating the pressures of society. As he falls in love with another man, he must face the homophobia and repressive attitudes of the time. With compelling performances and beautiful cinematography, Maurice is a poignant exploration of love, identity, and societal constraints.
Special is a comedy TV show that follows Ryan, a gay man with cerebral palsy, as he navigates his life in Los Angeles. The show explores themes of friendship, romance, and self-discovery, all with a comedic twist. Ryan faces unique challenges due to his disability, but he never lets it define him. With the support of his loving mother and his best friend Kim, Ryan learns to embrace his true self and find his place in the world.
Holding the Man is a moving drama based on the true story of Timothy Conigrave and John Caleo, who fell in love in the 1970s and faced numerous challenges, including the AIDS epidemic and societal discrimination, throughout their long-term relationship. Set in Australia, the film explores the profound impact of their love and the enduring power of their connection.
Boulevard follows the story of Nolan Mack, a married bank employee who secretly explores his repressed homosexuality while leading a monotonous and unfulfilled life. When he forms a connection with a young male prostitute named Leo, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. As Nolan confronts his own fears and societal pressures, he experiences a profound sexual awakening that challenges his marriage, career, and personal identity.
After being fired, a businessman embarks on a journey of self-discovery and falls in love with a younger man, while dealing with his confused sexuality and the death of his brother.
Slash is a comedy movie about a teenage writer attending a comic convention and exploring his sexuality through erotic fan fiction. The story follows him as he navigates sexual confusion, explores his sexual identity, and engages in a variety of encounters and relationships within the convention community.
A teenager embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he navigates his sexual identity, reconciles with his abusive father, and finds acceptance in a community of Native Americans. Through his relationships and experiences, he learns the importance of embracing his true self and reconnecting with his roots.
Five Dances is a coming-of-age drama about a young dancer who moves to New York City to pursue his dreams. As he navigates the world of professional dance and explores his own sexuality, he experiences first love, infidelity, and the challenges of balancing his personal and professional life. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant dance scene in the city, Five Dances is a poignant exploration of self-discovery and acceptance.
John Apple Jack is a story about a gay man, John Apple, who is engaged to his straight female best friend, Jack. Their relationship is put to the test when John's father disapproves of their engagement, leading to a series of comedic and dramatic events. The movie explores themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery.
Two teenagers decide to attend attend São Paulo's annual Gay Pride Parade, encouraged by one of their uncles, a successful - although closeted - business executive. After witnessing an incident of shocking violence at the parade, the group makes a pact - they all have one year to come out of the closet.
Gameboys: The Movie follows the journey of a gay couple, Cairo and Gavreel, as they navigate the challenges of love and relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Living together in a villa, they explore the ups and downs of their relationship while dealing with the restrictions of quarantine. Through heartwarming moments and unexpected twists, Cairo and Gavreel discover the true meaning of love and the importance of connection even in the most challenging times.
Formula 17 is about a teenager's first gay sexual experience in Taipei, Taiwan. The movie explores themes of coming-of-age, love, and city-country contrast. It follows the story of a gay teenager who is set up on a date to lose his virginity. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and experiences that shape his journey towards self-discovery and intimacy.
Screwed is a coming-of-age comedy about a gay teenager named Ossi who is struggling with his sexual identity. He spends a summer in Finland at his family's summer cottage, where he navigates his first sexual experiences, deals with narcolepsy, and comes out to his family. Through a series of funny and heartfelt moments, Ossi learns to embrace his true self and find acceptance.
Shed My Skin is a coming-of-age drama that follows the story of a teenage boy as he navigates his journey of self-discovery and explores his sexuality. The film explores themes of love, acceptance, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in society.
After discovering she is pregnant, a 14-year-old Mexican-American girl named Magdalena is kicked out of her home and finds refuge with her gay cousin in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Together, they navigate the challenges of pregnancy, homophobia, and gentrification.
Bonhomme is a romantic short film set in the 2020s, featuring a rugby player who finds himself in a daring situation that leads to his first gay kiss. The protagonist navigates friendship, sexual attraction, and the challenges of being a gay athlete. The film explores themes of romance, friendship, and coming to terms with one's sexuality.