I wanted to watch this movie for so long and just didn't know where to see it. As a fan of the books I think I expected a lot from the movies and I won't say it was bad, I was just disappointed. The film has no flow and it's like they took chapters from the book independent of each other and just made scenes from it without considering how everything merges together. The dialogue was okay I guess but the chemistry was so off and the acting was so novice like this was a YouTube made film. Another issue I had was the 'experiment', the movie portrayal of the experiment was completely different from the book. What I love about Ari was he was nvr homophobic to Dante, although he was going through his own internalized crisis, he never said or did those things to Dante. Dante's portrayal also seemed so different from what I had in my head but they captured Ari perfectly. The pace of the movie was so quick, 3 scenes in and we were already at the middle of the book. Bless the costume designers for putting Dante in the gayest outfits ever.
19 Reviews
Charming & Adorable Film. One to Watch.
trmac-2923416 November 2023
There is something truly special about this film. It's sweet, it's cute, it pulls at your heartstrings, it ALMOST made my eyes water, and I loved every second of it! Max Pelayo (Aristotle) took this role and tan away with it. He did a remarkable job and I was genuinely impressed. His acting career going forward looks very promising and I'm excited to see what's next for him. Reese Gonzales was also good, but there are a few moments here and there where it felt like the acting was overdone. I picked up that Dante was meant to be this fun, charming, outgoing, quirky individual, but some scenes just seemed unnatural. That's me being very knick-picky though; he's still a young actor. It's definitely one to watch!
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: A Charming and Honest Adaptation of a Beloved Novel
ergo-5853413 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a 2022 movie based on the award-winning novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. It tells the story of two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza and Dante Quintana, who meet at a swimming pool in 1987 El Paso and form a deep friendship that changes their lives. The movie follows their journey of self-discovery, identity, sexuality, and family, as they face the challenges and joys of growing up.
The movie is written and directed by Aitch Alberto, who does a commendable job of translating the novel's poetic and emotional tone to the screen. She also adds some new scenes that enrich the story and the characters, such as a visit to Dante's aunt in Mexico City and a confrontation with a homophobic bully. The movie is also beautifully shot by Akis Konstantakopoulos, who captures the sun-drenched landscapes of Texas and Mexico, as well as the intimate moments between the boys.
The movie is anchored by the performances of Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales, who play Ari and Dante with authenticity and charisma. They have a natural chemistry that makes their relationship believable and engaging. They also convey the complex emotions of their characters, such as Ari's anger and insecurity, and Dante's curiosity and optimism. The movie also features a stellar supporting cast, including Eugenio Derbez and Eva Longoria as Dante's parents, Verónica Falcón and Isabella Gomez as Ari's mother and sister, Luna Blaise as Ari's love interest, and Kevin Alejandro as Ari's estranged father.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a movie that will appeal to fans of the novel, as well as anyone looking for a heartfelt and honest portrayal of queer teen love. The movie is not perfect, as it sometimes feels rushed and uneven in its pacing, but it is still a worthy adaptation that honors the spirit and message of the novel. The movie is a celebration of friendship, family, culture, and identity, that will make you laugh, cry, and think. I give it 8 stars out of 10.
The movie is written and directed by Aitch Alberto, who does a commendable job of translating the novel's poetic and emotional tone to the screen. She also adds some new scenes that enrich the story and the characters, such as a visit to Dante's aunt in Mexico City and a confrontation with a homophobic bully. The movie is also beautifully shot by Akis Konstantakopoulos, who captures the sun-drenched landscapes of Texas and Mexico, as well as the intimate moments between the boys.
The movie is anchored by the performances of Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales, who play Ari and Dante with authenticity and charisma. They have a natural chemistry that makes their relationship believable and engaging. They also convey the complex emotions of their characters, such as Ari's anger and insecurity, and Dante's curiosity and optimism. The movie also features a stellar supporting cast, including Eugenio Derbez and Eva Longoria as Dante's parents, Verónica Falcón and Isabella Gomez as Ari's mother and sister, Luna Blaise as Ari's love interest, and Kevin Alejandro as Ari's estranged father.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a movie that will appeal to fans of the novel, as well as anyone looking for a heartfelt and honest portrayal of queer teen love. The movie is not perfect, as it sometimes feels rushed and uneven in its pacing, but it is still a worthy adaptation that honors the spirit and message of the novel. The movie is a celebration of friendship, family, culture, and identity, that will make you laugh, cry, and think. I give it 8 stars out of 10.
Review of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
courtneybill1023 January 2023
I am so grateful I got the chance to watch this film through TIFF's digital screening. I have followed this movie's journey since 2018 and it was surreal to sit and finally enjoy this story, made so beautifully and with so much love.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is tender and real. It doesn't only show the characters, it sees them. It is gorgeously constructed with dreamy cinematography by Akis Konstantakopoulos, and a beautiful soundtrack to match. Max and Reese truly understood their characters. They captured the quirks, the deadpan jokes, and the mannerisms of teenage boys figuring themselves out. They are awkward, they are silly, they are young. They don't know who they are and they piece it together on screen, in small stumbles and in leaps. They are the perfect representations of Aristotle and Dante.
It is written with love, it is filmed with love, it is directed with love. After watching for the second time in one night, with a headache from crying, I felt like love had been given back to me, too. When a story is so beautiful, it demands to be seen over and over, and this is one of those. It feels like a huge, crushing, beautiful hug. Both fans of the book and those who have never picked it up will love this adaptation; it holds something for everyone.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is tender and real. It doesn't only show the characters, it sees them. It is gorgeously constructed with dreamy cinematography by Akis Konstantakopoulos, and a beautiful soundtrack to match. Max and Reese truly understood their characters. They captured the quirks, the deadpan jokes, and the mannerisms of teenage boys figuring themselves out. They are awkward, they are silly, they are young. They don't know who they are and they piece it together on screen, in small stumbles and in leaps. They are the perfect representations of Aristotle and Dante.
It is written with love, it is filmed with love, it is directed with love. After watching for the second time in one night, with a headache from crying, I felt like love had been given back to me, too. When a story is so beautiful, it demands to be seen over and over, and this is one of those. It feels like a huge, crushing, beautiful hug. Both fans of the book and those who have never picked it up will love this adaptation; it holds something for everyone.
Good, but missed more!!
eyesblack-789289 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
First, I'm going to talk about the things that I liked more: I loved the movie's photography in general, like the colors, the ambience, clothes, etc; the subject about his brother is really interesting and give us a realistic perspective, because, sadly, happens in real life; and Dante, he is full of personality and captivating.
But for another point of view, I felt some sort of empty in the plot. My first problem was about the characters chemistry, Ari had more with that girl than with Dante, maybe this could be about the actors, because Ari has a lacking of emotion, I couldn't fell what he was feeling. So my biggest problem is about the plot itself, I didn't read the book, but somehow I know that something is missing.
So my final opinion is that is a good movie, but not great enough, is a movie to watch when you're bored!
But for another point of view, I felt some sort of empty in the plot. My first problem was about the characters chemistry, Ari had more with that girl than with Dante, maybe this could be about the actors, because Ari has a lacking of emotion, I couldn't fell what he was feeling. So my biggest problem is about the plot itself, I didn't read the book, but somehow I know that something is missing.
So my final opinion is that is a good movie, but not great enough, is a movie to watch when you're bored!
Love in many forms is a central theme to this film and I look forward to watching it over and over
jensable24 January 2023
I had the privilege of seeing Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe twice at the Palm Springs Film Festival in January 2023. As a fan of the novel it's based on, it was wonderful to see this beautiful story come to life.
The screenplay and direction by Aitch Alberto was clearly created with such love for the story that it translated beautifully onto the screen. With any adaptation, parts of the story have to change, but I actually found myself wishing that two new scenes from the movie had actually been in the book because they added so much depth to the story.
Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales as Aristotle and Dante were perfect in these roles. You'd never know this was either of their first feature films. The acting was nuanced and they knew those characters so well.
And the parents! One of the things I loved in the book was that Ari and Dante's parents were fully-fledged people (not just side characters tossed in) who loved their sons so fully. In the film, the love from their parents and the differences in their family dynamics and how they love, was the centerpiece as well.
Love in many forms is a central theme to this film and I look forward to watching it over and over when it has a full release.
The screenplay and direction by Aitch Alberto was clearly created with such love for the story that it translated beautifully onto the screen. With any adaptation, parts of the story have to change, but I actually found myself wishing that two new scenes from the movie had actually been in the book because they added so much depth to the story.
Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales as Aristotle and Dante were perfect in these roles. You'd never know this was either of their first feature films. The acting was nuanced and they knew those characters so well.
And the parents! One of the things I loved in the book was that Ari and Dante's parents were fully-fledged people (not just side characters tossed in) who loved their sons so fully. In the film, the love from their parents and the differences in their family dynamics and how they love, was the centerpiece as well.
Love in many forms is a central theme to this film and I look forward to watching it over and over when it has a full release.
Deserves to become a queer classic
montywolfe2 December 2023
It's been a while since I've seen such a gentle wholesome film. I wish such a film existed when I was a teen. Superb performances from the cast, but major kudos to the young leads. The film hinges on their believability, likability, and chemistry - and they definitely rose to the challenge. I hope to see both of them in more projects.
I love the subtlety and naturalism of the film. Proof that lgbtq themed stories do not need to be pushy or preachy. Instead it felt relatable and real.
The cinematography is beautiful and naturalistic. The editing is mostly efficient and practical but there are moments with a dreamlike quality.
It should be required viewing for anyone lgbtq - but especially young people who need to see positive representation. Like I said, I wish a movie like this would have existed when I was a kid.
I love the subtlety and naturalism of the film. Proof that lgbtq themed stories do not need to be pushy or preachy. Instead it felt relatable and real.
The cinematography is beautiful and naturalistic. The editing is mostly efficient and practical but there are moments with a dreamlike quality.
It should be required viewing for anyone lgbtq - but especially young people who need to see positive representation. Like I said, I wish a movie like this would have existed when I was a kid.
A total mess
Mackerelli13 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie could have been cute and heart-warming, and I was honestly looking forward to it a lot, but it's unfortunately a total mess. I honestly don't really have anything positive to say about it.
The dialogue and is flat and insipid. The acting is wooden and unconvincing (especially the kid who plays Dante). The boys have absolutely no chemistry with each other. Plot threads are either hammered home again and again (we get it: Ari's parents don't want to talk about his brother) or dropped willy-nilly (the whole thing with the car accident resolves immediately and is never mentioned again).
Most importantly, this movie is kind of... rape-y. I don't say this flippantly. In the film, Ari gives Dante absolutely no reason to think he might be interested in him, or even in boys in general. Dante asks Ari to kiss him, and then pressures him when he says no. He asks Ari to justify his reasoning, gets him high, suggests that they strip to their underwear for fun, and then forcibly kisses him while he resists and protests. The movie apparently thinks this is very romantic and sweet or something, and that is truly wild. If Ari were a girl, and her male friend refused to take "no" for an answer, this movie would never have seen the light of day.
The dialogue and is flat and insipid. The acting is wooden and unconvincing (especially the kid who plays Dante). The boys have absolutely no chemistry with each other. Plot threads are either hammered home again and again (we get it: Ari's parents don't want to talk about his brother) or dropped willy-nilly (the whole thing with the car accident resolves immediately and is never mentioned again).
Most importantly, this movie is kind of... rape-y. I don't say this flippantly. In the film, Ari gives Dante absolutely no reason to think he might be interested in him, or even in boys in general. Dante asks Ari to kiss him, and then pressures him when he says no. He asks Ari to justify his reasoning, gets him high, suggests that they strip to their underwear for fun, and then forcibly kisses him while he resists and protests. The movie apparently thinks this is very romantic and sweet or something, and that is truly wild. If Ari were a girl, and her male friend refused to take "no" for an answer, this movie would never have seen the light of day.
BEST MOVIE EVER
bernicem-9503013 September 2023
As someone who had read this book. I have so much to say!!! The movie adaptation was absolutely amazing everything about it. The cinematography, the acting the lines EVERYTHING. It meant so much to me to see the representation come to life onto the big screen. So incredible. I fell in love with the scenary too because the way the book described it word for word was exactly how it felt to see come to life. I do have to say the actors for dante and ari and everyone else was right on. The director also did such an amazing job in the way each and every scene was executed. I can really feel the emotion.
A crazy good adaptation
davidrsutton30 November 2023
Three Hundred Seventy-Five Pages and the job is to reduce it to One Hour Thirty-Seven Minutes on film and keep it honest and authentic. The original source material by author Benjamin Alite Sáenz is named TIME Magazine's "Best YA Book of All Time" (2021)" and selected as a "Printz Honor Book" who describes it as a "tender, honest exploration of identity." Publishers Weekly adds that "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" distills lyrical truths about family and friendship. That's some undertaking by Aitch Alberto, who serves this film masterfully as its screenwriter, producer and director. The ability to pluck the essence of the book's major emotional beats speaks of a complete immersion into the characters created by Mr Sáenz's and who continue their journey in the follow up book "Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World."
The casting of Max Pelayo as Aristotle was brilliant, as was Reese Gonzalez as Dante.
Rarely does a movie come about that lingers with the viewer sufficiently so that they will be motivated to keep them alive in their hearts by reading the book. With the follow up book already available, that adds additional motivation to read them both.
With your imagination aided by Max and Reese's portrayal, it'll be easy going for even the most finicky readers.
There's bed a few similar entries like the film Red, White and Royal Blue and TV series like Young Royals and Heartstopper that deals in young adult first love. This movie tops them all in character development and likability. Done well, as it is done here is a treat to watch.
My 8 rating would be 8.5 if decimals were available. It misses a 9 by just a bit, maybe fifteen more minutes would have been helpful, as the story moves a bit too quickly in the middle.
Rarely does a movie come about that lingers with the viewer sufficiently so that they will be motivated to keep them alive in their hearts by reading the book. With the follow up book already available, that adds additional motivation to read them both.
With your imagination aided by Max and Reese's portrayal, it'll be easy going for even the most finicky readers.
There's bed a few similar entries like the film Red, White and Royal Blue and TV series like Young Royals and Heartstopper that deals in young adult first love. This movie tops them all in character development and likability. Done well, as it is done here is a treat to watch.
My 8 rating would be 8.5 if decimals were available. It misses a 9 by just a bit, maybe fifteen more minutes would have been helpful, as the story moves a bit too quickly in the middle.
Overall, very good
nicmthomas17 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Overall, very good movie. Great acting, dealt with some relatable topics, fairly accurate adaption of the book. My only real criticism is that Dante is portrayed (I think unintentionally) in the movie as actually having quite a stereotypical entitled male attitude and does some of those things that are frequently portrayed in movies and books as cute and assertive for good looking or rich men but are actually toxic attitudes/actions that would clearly be unacceptable if it were from someone else or in different scenarios. It tends to only encourage those behaviors (intentionally disregarding even clearly verbalized boundaries, pressuring someone to engage in sexual activity with you, insisting they won't know they don't like it if they don't try it, throwing tantrums and refusing to be friends with someone if they won't be in a romantic relationship with you, etc.) from men who see it positively portrayed and all working out for the best if you're just persistent/the other person just doesn't realize yet that they should be with you. I'm also not so sure it would be well-received if Ari were a female whose parents were like, "Look, you're 18 and just don't realize your own preferences, but we do. Plus, he's a good man, our families are close, and we can see you love him, and we don't want you ending up some lonely spinstress, just make a commitment to be with this guy already." Like I said, good movie and good story overall, just had a couple slightly repackaged elements in there that didn't really sit well with me.
In This Cinema Era Of Super Heroes And Special Effects, This Film Offers A Refreshing Story That Is Right Up My Alley
rannynm21 October 2023
Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe emerges in this convoluted cinema era of super heroes and special effects offering a refreshing story. Everything from the storyline, to the cinematography and indie film style is right up my alley.
The story begins in 1987 with a boy named Aristotle (Max Pelayo) who keeps to himself. He goes to the local swimming pool in hopes of learning to swim and meets Dante (Reese Gonzales). The two instantly click as they realize they have a lot in common and start hanging out every day. Dante moves away for a year but the two boys exchange letters and remain in contact. Both Dante and Aristotle have a long road of self-discovery ahead, but that doesn't interfere with the strong connection between them.
I love how this film deals with so many different themes all at once -- family dilemmas, sexuality, self-growth, and ethnic identity. I always relate to seeing Latino representation in films; Aristotle is Mexican and I love that this film has a lot to do with his heritage. The cinematography is delicate and bright as is the overall aesthetic of the film. My favorite scene is when Aristotle and Dante tie their Converse shoes together and hang them on a light post at night. The lighting and simple concept of tying their shoes together is so beautiful; especially in the way that scene is shot. It is so powerful and meaningful. The acting is also impressive. Max Pelayo's portrayal of Aristotle is terrific - despite Aristotle having lots of inner conflicts, Max portrays him in such a beautiful way. I love Reese Gonzales as Dante as well; Dante is a very awkward person but in the cutest way and Reese captures that dichotomy and plays into that tricky kind of feel. I'm a huge fan of Eugenio Derbez, who plays Jamie Mendoza, Aristotle's dad. He's such an incredible actor. Eva Longoria, as Dante's mom, and Veronica Falcon, as Aristotle's mom, both really caught my attention. I love how both moms are so different and both love their kids infinitely. Veronica is the perfect example of a Mexican mom. I wish Eva had more screen time but nevertheless she is great. This film is based on a novel with the same name by Benjamin Alire Sáenz and is produced by Eugenio Derbez and Lin-Manuel Miranda who narrates the audio book.
The film's message is that true love always prevails, but takes time. Please note that it contains some strong violence, strong language, sexual material, teen drug and alcohol use and smoking.
I give Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters, HBO and Netflix September 8, 2023. By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST!
The story begins in 1987 with a boy named Aristotle (Max Pelayo) who keeps to himself. He goes to the local swimming pool in hopes of learning to swim and meets Dante (Reese Gonzales). The two instantly click as they realize they have a lot in common and start hanging out every day. Dante moves away for a year but the two boys exchange letters and remain in contact. Both Dante and Aristotle have a long road of self-discovery ahead, but that doesn't interfere with the strong connection between them.
I love how this film deals with so many different themes all at once -- family dilemmas, sexuality, self-growth, and ethnic identity. I always relate to seeing Latino representation in films; Aristotle is Mexican and I love that this film has a lot to do with his heritage. The cinematography is delicate and bright as is the overall aesthetic of the film. My favorite scene is when Aristotle and Dante tie their Converse shoes together and hang them on a light post at night. The lighting and simple concept of tying their shoes together is so beautiful; especially in the way that scene is shot. It is so powerful and meaningful. The acting is also impressive. Max Pelayo's portrayal of Aristotle is terrific - despite Aristotle having lots of inner conflicts, Max portrays him in such a beautiful way. I love Reese Gonzales as Dante as well; Dante is a very awkward person but in the cutest way and Reese captures that dichotomy and plays into that tricky kind of feel. I'm a huge fan of Eugenio Derbez, who plays Jamie Mendoza, Aristotle's dad. He's such an incredible actor. Eva Longoria, as Dante's mom, and Veronica Falcon, as Aristotle's mom, both really caught my attention. I love how both moms are so different and both love their kids infinitely. Veronica is the perfect example of a Mexican mom. I wish Eva had more screen time but nevertheless she is great. This film is based on a novel with the same name by Benjamin Alire Sáenz and is produced by Eugenio Derbez and Lin-Manuel Miranda who narrates the audio book.
The film's message is that true love always prevails, but takes time. Please note that it contains some strong violence, strong language, sexual material, teen drug and alcohol use and smoking.
I give Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters, HBO and Netflix September 8, 2023. By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST!
moving coming-of-age story that needs to be longer
sheri_feld10 September 2023
Sweet, moving, gentle, honest, beautifully shot. Aitch alberto is a clearly talented filmmaker and reese gonzales is perfect in his role as dante. Eugenio derbez is also great in this. It's clear that the people involved genuinely care about the book and making an accurate adaptation. If it had slowed down and allowed more time for background and character development, this would have probably been a 10/10. It just felt rushed. We needed to spend more time with the characters to understand their nuance. Nevertheless, as a huge fan of the book, i enjoyed this a lot. I have notes but i will probably rewatch.
A well done book to movie adaptation
jtkharlin12 September 2023
This was one of the best, if not outright the best book to movie adaptations I have ever seen. It had been a couple of years since I read the book so I really only remember major parts of the plot. However, after seeing this movie and immediately thinking it was one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen, I decided to reread the book. This movie reorders some of the events but in a way that helps with pacing. There's really only one major plot change from the book that I won't go into detail but I feel works well for movie in a way the book dealt with it. I would recommend this movie to all my friends and look forward to owning it to watch on repeat.
Loved the movie like I loved th ebook
cssnyder-5411819 November 2023
I was so happy to see that this was being made in to a movie. I don't go to theaters, so have to wait for any movies I want to see to stream. It saw A&D on Hoopla this morning, and pretty much dropped everything to watch. I read the book about a year ago, but as soon as I started watching, it all came back to me. The movie was true to the book, and the acting was superb. Like the book, I can relate to the movie, as, although I was in my 20s in the 1980s, it was the same struggle for me then - shame, fear, acceptance. Brought all the emotions back.
Hoping to see the sequel, "A&D Dive into the Waters of the World"......that too was a wonderful read, and could be as good as or better than this movie.
Highly recommended!
Hoping to see the sequel, "A&D Dive into the Waters of the World"......that too was a wonderful read, and could be as good as or better than this movie.
Highly recommended!
Aristotle and Dante Best Movie Ever
ermnooff11 September 2023
I cannot explain how grateful I am with this movie. Thanks to Aitch Alberto and Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzalez for their work. Loved the hole movie.
This movie made me cry but in the good way. I'm looking forward to rewatching this movie again and of course invite some friends with me.
I'm a huge fan of the books and always wanted the movie adaptation. And now that I've watched it I 5hink I can't be more satisfied and more happy. Its literally like how I imagined it was going to be and even tho its kind of sort and they had to cut some things I think it is incredibly amazing. O really could watch a hole 10 hours movie of them and never get bored.
This movie made me cry but in the good way. I'm looking forward to rewatching this movie again and of course invite some friends with me.
I'm a huge fan of the books and always wanted the movie adaptation. And now that I've watched it I 5hink I can't be more satisfied and more happy. Its literally like how I imagined it was going to be and even tho its kind of sort and they had to cut some things I think it is incredibly amazing. O really could watch a hole 10 hours movie of them and never get bored.
Beautiful adaptation
mussarimark10 January 2024
This is a beuatiful adaptation of Benjamin Alire Sáenz's book. There will be those who quibble with some of the choices, but considering the sheer challenge of transferring such a successful book, especially an emotional one like this one, onto the screen, this is an excellent take on the novel. It's a slow burn for Max Pelayo to truly come into his own as Ari: this is due to the character's own evolution, all repressed feelings and anger that slowly surface, along with the realization of who he is. It's a joy watching the actor rise to the occasion. Reese Gonzales immediately captures Dante, partially because of the insightful casting but also because Dante is well-defined from the start in the book. The two actors play off each other with great ease.
The director, Aitch Alberto, brings a careful hand to everything in this film, and you feel it. One choice that worked well was making Ari's aunt Ophelia more present. In the novel, she's almost like an idea, but here she's a presence onscreen and a reflection of Ari's own repressed self. That was a wise choice, along with keeping Dante's attack "off-stage" to avoid the sensationalism.
This is a film about two young men who are loners, in extremely different ways, and who simply love each other--almost immediately. By the time Ari comes to terms with himself and what he is feeling, the viewer, like the character, can finally exhale.
The director, Aitch Alberto, brings a careful hand to everything in this film, and you feel it. One choice that worked well was making Ari's aunt Ophelia more present. In the novel, she's almost like an idea, but here she's a presence onscreen and a reflection of Ari's own repressed self. That was a wise choice, along with keeping Dante's attack "off-stage" to avoid the sensationalism.
This is a film about two young men who are loners, in extremely different ways, and who simply love each other--almost immediately. By the time Ari comes to terms with himself and what he is feeling, the viewer, like the character, can finally exhale.
Enjoyable but could have been truly amazing
james-a-d200223 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this film but it fell short of the book. Ultimately, I was disappointed because I believe it was rushed and missed several important parts of the story that are integral to Ari's character development and the culmination at the end of the story.
They cut out about 50% of the book which was a mistake. It would have helped to include many more hang out scenes between the two. It was missing important character development between the main characters and understanding Dante's quirkiness as well as the scene with Dante's art book; Dante was uncomfortable with sharing it with Ari at first. There was a lot more but I will leave it at that.
Lastly, Dante. Nothing wrong with the acting but the portrayal of the character came off more desperate and predatory. Dante was not that; in the book he is easy to love, charismatic, loving, bizarre, random and constantly challenging Ari to step out of his comfort zone. In the film, they made him seem to persuade Ari to kiss, run out in the rain, etc for ulterior motive as opposed to it just being fun or truly learning things about themselves.
They cut out about 50% of the book which was a mistake. It would have helped to include many more hang out scenes between the two. It was missing important character development between the main characters and understanding Dante's quirkiness as well as the scene with Dante's art book; Dante was uncomfortable with sharing it with Ari at first. There was a lot more but I will leave it at that.
Lastly, Dante. Nothing wrong with the acting but the portrayal of the character came off more desperate and predatory. Dante was not that; in the book he is easy to love, charismatic, loving, bizarre, random and constantly challenging Ari to step out of his comfort zone. In the film, they made him seem to persuade Ari to kiss, run out in the rain, etc for ulterior motive as opposed to it just being fun or truly learning things about themselves.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Number 1 Fan review
montaguebroken20 January 2024
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Number 1 Fan review
This film made me feel the importance of acceptance and the role of family in helping getting it. I really hope that all queer humans have the same family as Quintana's and Mendoza's. I envy Ari and Dante.
This film gave me the same emotions just like when I read the book. Thank you so much to the cast that they were able to portray all the characters so well and so precise. I hope the film will be shown worldwide because the world deserves to know Aristotle Mendoza sooo damn much! This film would teach acceptance surely! Please, let this out to the world sooooooon.
This film made me feel the importance of acceptance and the role of family in helping getting it. I really hope that all queer humans have the same family as Quintana's and Mendoza's. I envy Ari and Dante.
This film gave me the same emotions just like when I read the book. Thank you so much to the cast that they were able to portray all the characters so well and so precise. I hope the film will be shown worldwide because the world deserves to know Aristotle Mendoza sooo damn much! This film would teach acceptance surely! Please, let this out to the world sooooooon.
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