call me by your name parents guide

2 min read 15-04-2025

Call Me By Your Name (2017) is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age romantic drama. However, its mature themes require parental guidance before viewing for younger audiences. This guide will help parents decide if the film is appropriate for their children and prepare for discussions afterward.

What Parents Need to Know

Themes and Content: The film centers on a passionate, romantic relationship between two teenage boys, Elio (17) and Oliver (24). Their relationship is depicted with intimacy and explicit sexual content, including several sex scenes. While not graphically violent, the intensity of their emotional connection and the sexual encounters are realistically portrayed. This is not a subtle portrayal of a blossoming romance; it's a very explicit exploration of a relationship between two people with a significant age gap.

Sexual Content

Explicit Sex Scenes: The film features several intimate scenes between the two main characters. These scenes are not gratuitous but integral to the narrative.
Nudity: There is full frontal nudity from both male leads.
Sexual Dialogue: The dialogue includes mature sexual innuendo and conversations about sexual experiences.

Other Mature Themes

Age Gap: The significant age difference between Elio and Oliver is a central element of the story and could spark conversation about consent and power dynamics.
Emotional Intensity: The film explores deep emotional complexities, including passion, jealousy, heartbreak, and first love, all with considerable intensity. These themes may be difficult for younger viewers to process.
Language: While not overly profane, the film contains some mild language.

Is it Appropriate for My Child?

The film's mature themes, especially the explicit sexual content and the age gap between the protagonists, make it inappropriate for children and younger teenagers. Parents should carefully consider their child's maturity level and ability to handle these sensitive topics before allowing them to watch. A discussion beforehand about the film's themes is highly recommended.

Talking to Your Kids After Watching

Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the movie.
Consent and Relationships: Use the film as a springboard to discuss healthy relationships, consent, and the importance of respecting boundaries.
Age-Appropriate Discussions: Tailor the conversation to your child's age and understanding. Focus on the emotional aspects of the story if they are too young to fully grasp the sexual content.
Cultural Context: Discuss the film's setting and the cultural context of the story.

Alternatives for Younger Viewers

If you feel the film is inappropriate for your child, there are many other coming-of-age movies that explore similar themes of first love and self-discovery without the explicit sexual content. Consider films such as:

Love, Simon: A teen romantic comedy dealing with coming out and self-acceptance.
Call Me By Your Name, Luca Guadagnino's exploration of a passionate relationship between two men.
Moonlight: A coming-of-age story exploring themes of identity and sexuality.

Remember that every child is different. What one child can handle, another might not. Use this guide as a starting point for your own assessment and discussion. Always prioritize open communication and your child's emotional well-being.