Call Me by Your Name (2017) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Call Me by Your Name (2017) ends with Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) experiencing the bittersweet aftermath of his summer romance with Oliver (Armie Hammer). Months after Oliver leaves Italy to return to America, he calls Elio to announce his engagement to a woman. The film concludes with a poignant, wordless scene of Elio crying by the fireplace as the credits roll, embodying the ache of first love and loss. The ending underscores themes of fleeting youth, unspoken desire, and the enduring impact of transformative relationships.
The Final Phone Call and Emotional Aftermath
The movie's climax occurs when Oliver, now back in the U.S., calls Elio to share news of his engagement. This moment is devastating for Elio, who had hoped their connection might transcend the summer. Oliver's choice to marry a woman underscores the societal constraints of the 1980s, where queer relationships often remained hidden or unfulfilled. The call is brief, polite, and painfully formal, contrasting with the intimacy they once shared. Elio's father, Mr. Perlman (Michael Stuhlbarg), witnesses his son's heartbreak but says nothing, allowing Elio space to process his grief. The scene highlights the film's recurring theme of unspoken emotions-love, pain, and longing often conveyed through silence.
The Fireplace Scene: A Silent Catharsis
The final shot of Elio staring into the fireplace, crying silently as Sufjan Stevens' "Visions of Gideon" plays, is one of the most powerful moments in cinema. The fire symbolizes the intensity of his emotions, now reduced to embers. Unlike earlier scenes where Elio's feelings were explosive or playful, this moment is quiet and raw. The absence of dialogue forces the audience to sit with Elio's sorrow, mirroring the way grief often isolates us. The fireplace also ties back to earlier scenes where Oliver and Elio bonded, making it a fitting place for Elio to confront his loss. The lingering close-up on Elio's face ensures the audience feels the weight of his heartbreak.
Mr. Perlman's Monologue: A Thematic Anchor
Earlier in the film, Elio's father delivers a touching monologue about the value of feeling pain rather than numbing it. He acknowledges Elio's relationship with Oliver and urges him to cherish the joy and suffering it brought. This speech reframes the ending not as a tragedy but as a necessary part of growth. Mr. Perlman's words suggest that love's impermanence doesn't diminish its significance. The monologue acts as a guide for interpreting the finale: Elio's tears aren't just sadness but a testament to how deeply he loved. The father's acceptance contrasts with Oliver's need to conform, adding layers to the film's exploration of authenticity vs. societal expectations.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Will Elio and Oliver ever reunite?
- The novel's sequel, Find Me, suggests they meet again years later, but the film leaves it ambiguous.
- Realistically, Oliver's marriage likely closes that chapter, but their connection may linger emotionally.
Why didn't Oliver fight for their relationship?
- 1980s homophobia made public queer relationships risky, especially for an academic like Oliver.
- Oliver may have loved Elio but lacked the courage to defy societal norms.
How does Elio move on?
- The fireplace scene implies he'll carry Oliver with him forever, but time will soften the pain.
- His father's advice hints that Elio will grow from this experience rather than be broken by it.
Personal Opinion: A Masterpiece of Emotional Authenticity
Call Me by Your Name's ending is devastating yet perfect. It avoids clichés-there's no dramatic reunion or tidy resolution-just the messy reality of love and loss. Chalamet's performance is extraordinary; his silent crying feels more impactful than any dialogue. The film's refusal to villainize Oliver for his choices adds depth, reflecting how life often prioritizes practicality over passion. The ending haunted me for days, a rarity in modern cinema. It's a tribute to first love's transformative power, even when it doesn't last. Luca Guadagnino's direction and the screenplay's subtlety make it a timeless exploration of desire and memory.
Final Thought: The ending isn't about closure but about the beauty of feeling deeply-a lesson Elio (and the audience) won't forget.