Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2023)
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a deeply moving coming-of-age story that captures the transformative journey of two Mexican-American boys as they navigate the complexities of friendship, identity, and self-discovery. Based on the acclaimed novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, this film adaptation shines with emotional depth, vivid performances, and a sensitive portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes within the context of family, culture, and personal growth.
Plot Summary: Set in the 1980s, the film follows two teenagers, Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (played by a talented young actor) and Dante Quintana (played by another breakthrough talent), whose lives are forever changed when they meet one summer in Texas. Ari, a quiet and brooding teen, struggles with feelings of isolation and anger, and he feels disconnected from his family, particularly his father, who is distant and emotionally unavailable. On the other hand, Dante is outgoing, expressive, and seemingly comfortable in his own skin, but he carries the weight of his own vulnerabilities due to the expectations placed upon him by his family and society.
Their bond begins when Dante offers to teach Ari how to swim, and what starts as a simple summer friendship quickly deepens into something more profound. As the boys spend time together, they open up to each other in ways they never have with anyone else, sharing their fears, insecurities, and dreams. Dante, unafraid to embrace his emotions, helps Ari come to terms with his own complicated feelings, while Ari’s quiet strength allows Dante to feel understood and supported.
As their friendship blossoms, both boys face personal struggles: Ari with his own internalized anger and confusion about his identity, and Dante with the fear of not living up to his parents’ expectations while also grappling with his emerging sexual identity. Their journey toward self-discovery is not without obstacles—especially as their growing feelings for each other challenge the expectations of the conservative world around them.
Artistic Analysis: The film’s cinematography beautifully captures the vibrant yet quiet essence of the 1980s Southwestern landscape. The hot, dusty roads of Texas, the serene pools where the boys share vulnerable moments, and the small but telling details of their homes and families all serve as visual metaphors for the characters’ emotional landscapes. The camera lingers on moments of tenderness, capturing the subtle gestures between Ari and Dante, allowing their connection to feel both genuine and heartfelt.
The film’s pacing is thoughtful and patient, giving the story space to breathe and allowing the characters’ emotional development to unfold naturally. There’s no rush to get from one plot point to the next—rather, the film allows viewers to settle into the characters’ world, inviting us to experience the highs and lows of their journey.
The music is subtle but effective, with a soundtrack that reflects the emotional tone of the film. The songs complement the coming-of-age narrative and amplify moments of both joy and sorrow. The blend of 1980s hits and more modern choices creates a timeless quality, grounding the story in its historical context while ensuring that the emotions feel universal and enduring.
Performances: The performances in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe are nothing short of extraordinary. The chemistry between the two leads, Ari and Dante, is palpable from the very first scene. Both actors deliver nuanced performances, capturing the complexity of their characters’ inner worlds.
The actor portraying Ari brings to life a teenager struggling with his identity, emotions, and the weight of family expectations, making him both relatable and sympathetic. His quiet demeanor hides a storm of emotions, and the actor captures this beautifully, giving Ari a sense of vulnerability and authenticity that is central to the film’s emotional core.
The actor playing Dante shines as well, bringing a warmth and openness to the role that makes him both endearing and lovable. Dante’s expressive nature contrasts beautifully with Ari’s reserved persona, and their interactions feel like a dance of opposites that complement each other perfectly. Dante’s journey of self-acceptance and coming to terms with his feelings for Ari is portrayed with tenderness and depth, making his character feel multi-dimensional and rich.
The supporting cast, including Ari’s and Dante’s families, also delivers strong performances, each adding layers to the film’s exploration of identity, culture, and the challenges faced by first-generation immigrants. Their portrayals offer insight into the boys’ backgrounds, highlighting the generational differences in attitudes toward love, family, and societal expectations.
Emotion: At its core, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an emotionally charged film about self-identity, love, and the bonds that shape us. The film explores the pain of growing up and realizing that we are different from the world around us, as well as the joy that comes with finding someone who truly understands us. The relationship between Ari and Dante is beautifully crafted—it’s not just a romantic relationship, but a profound emotional connection that helps both characters grow and evolve.
The film also touches on important themes of masculinity, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience. Ari’s complicated relationship with his father is one of the central emotional arcs, and the movie does a superb job of exploring the tension between their expectations and the way Ari navigates his own identity. Dante’s struggle with his family’s expectations about his future is another key emotional thread, and it’s handled with sensitivity and care.
The emotional highs and lows in the film, from moments of joy to heartbreaking conflict, are masterfully balanced. The film asks difficult questions about love, identity, and belonging, and it doesn’t shy away from portraying the complexities and challenges that come with finding oneself in a world that is often unforgiving.
Final Thoughts: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a beautiful, heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and self-discovery. It’s a story that resonates deeply, capturing the universal experience of growing up and trying to understand who we are and where we belong in the world. With outstanding performances, a rich emotional narrative, and a timeless story, this film will leave a lasting impact on its audience. It’s a love letter to the power of friendship, the complexity of family, and the beauty of accepting oneself—no matter how complicated the journey may be.
This movie is a must-see for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories that go beyond surface-level romance and dig deep into the messy, beautiful process of growing up and learning to love both ourselves and others.
