Call Me by Your Name

At the film’s emotional conclusion, Elio, after receiving the devastating news that Oliver will be marrying someone else, is left to wrestle with a mixture of heartbreak and longing. Sitting quietly by a fire in the winter, he is surrounded by memories of their fleeting but intense summer romance. The story spans roughly half a year, but the last moments take place in the winter following Oliver’s departure.

The film then jumps ahead to show the long silence that follows their parting. Over the years, Elio and Oliver’s lives drift apart, with infrequent contact and unspoken regrets. About nine or ten years after that summer, they briefly reconnect through a phone call, but it’s clear Oliver has moved on and forgotten the depth of their past. Several more years pass, and their next face-to-face encounter occurs when Elio visits Oliver’s college town. At first, Oliver doesn’t recognize him, but once they reconnect, they share a bittersweet moment filled with nostalgia.

The film’s final scene takes place twenty years after their initial romance, with Oliver returning to the house in Italy. Elio shows Oliver the spot where his father’s ashes were scattered and reflects on the passage of time. As they stand together, Elio asks Oliver if he remembers everything — the intimacy, the feelings — recognizing that Oliver, like himself, holds onto the past. Oliver’s response, “I remember everything,” signifies that despite the years and the changes, their connection remains deeply etched in their memories. Elio’s wish — that Oliver would call him by his name, as they did in their youth — underscores the lingering longing and unresolved emotions between them. Ultimately, the ending emphasizes the enduring impact of their love and the bittersweet beauty of coming to terms with what can never be fully rekindled.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57