Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe – Film Review

The popular 2012 book of the same name by Benjamin Alire Sáenz has been adapted into a coming-of-age movie titled Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. In this story, fifteen-year-old Aristotle Mendoza, played by Max Pelayo, and Dante Quintana, played by Reese Gonzales, start a life-changing friendship that takes place during the summer of 1987. The film touches on many different subjects, such as friendship, identity, family, and love.

Ari and Dante, two boys with contrasting personalities and upbringings, are first introduced to us in the film. Their first encounter at the neighborhood pool is the beginning of a touching friendship that is founded on shared experiences and self-discoveries. Their shared classical namesake serves as a poetic metaphor for their special bond, a bond that holds the promise of unlocking the universe’s mysteries.

Ari and Dante’s developing friendship is beautifully captured by director Aitch Alberto, who emphasizes the sincere moments of connection that happen between them. The film is at its best when it focuses on their endearing moments of camaraderie because their interactions seem natural and unforced. It is especially heartwarming to see Dante serve as Ari’s mentor and introduce him to literature and poetry because it exemplifies how friendship can spur on personal development.

The film falters, though, when it comes to capturing the complexity of the characters and their inner conflicts. It frequently leaves these aspects unexplored or only briefly touches upon them, whereas the novel delves into their most private thoughts and feelings. As a result, some of the book’s compelling character development and emotional impact are lost in translation.

The incident in which Ari is seriously hurt while rescuing Dante from a speeding car is a key scene in the narrative. Their relationship changes as a result of this incident, which also brings their families together and creates the foundation for further exploration of their bonds. The film effectively conveys the gravity of the situation and its effects on both families, effectively capturing the essence of this particular moment. As Dante’s parents, Eva Longoria and Eugenio Derbez give heartfelt performances that deepen the story’s examination of family dynamics.

As the plot develops, the film examines Dante’s struggles with his sexuality and his relocation to Chicago, which gives his character an additional layer of nuance. Reese Gonzales does a commendable job of capturing Dante’s frailty and the difficulties he has accepting who he is. But because the film only partially explores Dante’s depth of inner conflict and self-discovery, his character comes off as a little underdeveloped.

Ari is well portrayed by Max Pelayo, who successfully conveys the character’s reflective and reserved personality. At the center of the story is Ari’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance of his feelings for Dante. The film falls short of fully examining Ari’s inner conflict and the complexity of his emotions, despite Pelayo’s admirable performance, leaving some viewers wanting more insight and depth into his character.

The supporting cast, which includes Eva Longoria as Dante’s mother and the talented Eugenio Derbez as Ari’s father, gives powerful performances that improve the overall emotional resonance of the movie. Their interactions with their respective sons give the on-screen family dynamics more depth and authenticity.

When Ari’s brother is exposed to the truth, it’s one of the most moving scenes. This discovery is a moving investigation into the effects of personal secrets and societal prejudices. It emphasizes the value of facing uncomfortable truths and adds depth to the movie’s themes of acceptance and identity.

The film also addresses the issue of violence and prejudice experienced by LGBTQ+ people in the 1980s, as demonstrated by Dante’s account of being attacked because of his sexual orientation. Although this aspect of the story is an important and timely commentary, it is not fully explored, leaving a sense of a missed opportunity to illuminate the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth in that era.

The way the film handles the romance between Ari and Dante is one of its major flaws. While it frequently rushes through these moments, leaving their romantic connection feeling underdeveloped and devoid of the depth it deserves, the novel beautifully depicts their relationship’s development and the complexity of their feelings for one another.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an admirable effort that boasts strong performances from its cast and effectively conveys the themes of acceptance, friendship, and identity. However, it sometimes falls short of delving deeply into the inner conflicts and romantic relationship of its characters. It still serves as a heartfelt coming-of-age tale with moments of genuine emotion and connection, despite its flaws. Fans of the book may not be completely satisfied, but even so, it contributes significantly to the LGBTQ+ film genre by highlighting the difficulties that young people in the 1980s faced as they embarked on their personal development journeys.