It is the summer of 1983 when Elio (played by Timothée Chalamet), a seventeen-year-old boy of Hebrew American-Italian descent, resides in the picturesque northern Italian countryside with his family. His father, Mr. Perlman (portrayed by Michael Stuhlbarg), a professor of archaeology, invites an American Hebrew graduate student, Oliver (played by Armie Hammer), to stay with them for six weeks to assist with academic work. Oliver hails from a small town in New England and brings a contrasting energy to Elio's introverted nature.
Elio's mother, Annella (played by Amira Casar), supports their time together, but Elio grapples with the idea of sharing his space and feels a twinge of resentment. Amidst the lush landscapes and sunny days, Elio offers to be Oliver's tour guide, providing glimpses of the local scenery, which includes an orchard filled with peaches, apricots, and pomegranates. Elio juggles his time between reading, sharing fleeting moments with his girlfriend Marzia (played by Esther Garrel), and grappling with his emerging feelings for Oliver.
Throughout the summer, a subtle tension builds. During a volleyball match, the close proximity causes a brief touch, igniting something unspoken within Elio. Although he initially distances himself from Oliver, he finds himself reevaluating this dismissal as their interactions grow. Oliver actively seeks moments with Elio, appreciating his musical talent during a piano recital, which leads Elio to introspect about his behavior.
As their friendship deepens, Oliver and Elio go swimming, embark on long walks, and join Elio's father on an archaeological expedition, which results in the discovery of a beautifully preserved metal statue. Despite an apparent chemistry, Elio faces jealousy when Oliver shows interest in local girl Chiara (played by Victoire Du Bois), making Elio confront his feelings more directly.
Elio's internal conflict heightens as he engages in a sexual relationship with Marzia while struggling with his attraction to Oliver. A pivotal moment occurs when he confesses his feelings to Oliver during a trip to the post office; however, Oliver advises him to hold back. Their relationship takes a fateful turn when Elio kisses Oliver during a swimming session, which Oliver reciprocates, yet he hesitates to push beyond this intimacy.
A secretive rendezvous leads to their first deep connection, awakening a passionate affair cloaked in secrecy. In moments of vulnerability, they share thoughts and desires, culminating in shared phrases like, > "Call me by your name and I'll call you by mine." This deepening bond brings Elio joy but also confusion, as the days of Oliver's stay dwindle.
Elio experiences a spectrum of emotions, from joy to anguish, especially as he feels the weight of their fleeting time together. A memorable encounter involving a peach leads to an embarrassing but significant moment, solidifying the bond they share, even as Elio begins to distance himself from Marzia.
As Oliver's time with the family draws to a close, Elio's parents sense the connection between the boys and suggest a getaway to Bergamo for one last adventure. Their trip springs forth moments of beauty and heartbreak, leaving Elio devastated when Oliver departs. Upon returning home, Elio grapples with the melancholic realization of love lost, seeking solace in his family and the understanding of his father's own youthful romantic experiences.
The story reaches a poignant climax during Hanukkah when Oliver calls to share his engagement news, prompting Elio to momentarily revisit their shared memories. Their heartfelt exchange encapsulates a lingering attachment, and Elio is left to reflect in solitude, seated by the fireplace, as his family prepares for the holiday dinner, embodying the bittersweet nature of their love.
