Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Blue Fox EntertainmentOne of the brightest stories in the world of mainstream cinema over the past decade has been the rise in LGBTQ+ voices and perspectives being shared on screen. Specifically, there has been a clear rise in LGBTQ+ content directed towards teen and young adult audiences giving queer youth more accessible representation than ever before which is crucial in a world that continues to attack their identities and rights which can make these vulnerable youth feel alone and isolated. In a world where these forces can lead LGBTQ+ youth to be 3.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, the importance of connection and the feeling of acceptance is still critically important and cinema can provide this. The newest of these films, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, sees the 2012 novel of the same name get adapted to the big screen as two young boys living in 1987 El Paso, Texas befriend each other and develop a relationship.
It is undeniable that Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a rather charming feature with a pure innocence that demands to be appreciated. Beautifully bringing to life a perspective of intersectionality as both Aristotle, played by Max Pelayo, and Dante, played by Reese Gonzales, not only discover their identities within the LGBTQ+ community but also come to understand their Mexican-American identity. It is not an exaggeration to say that there will be kids who see themselves for the first time on the big screen with this feature and that the power within that experience can genuinely save lives. The messages throughout the film are important and honest with the film playing into the young adult genre with its narrative and drama. This identity is vital to understanding the feature and its place within the modern LGBTQ+ cinematic offerings.
With that said, there are some pieces of the film worth discussing as drawbacks to the feature. Both in front and behind of the camera, there is plenty of new blood working on the film with the film feeling the consequences that can come from this. On camera, it is clear that both Pelayo and Gonzales are still finding their place and their performances can feel clunky and awkward at times as a result. While both do have their moments, it is especially obvious when they are meant to work together in a scene as the traditional chemistry one would hope for in a story like this fails to truly develop. The passion and natural flow between these two never quite feels authentic or natural which can hurt some of the effectiveness of the feature.
Behind the camera, the film serves as Aitch Alberto's sophomore feature effort both as director and screenwriter. As director, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a competent effort that only lacks in distinctive personality and voice. Outside the last couple minutes of the film's 96-minute runtime, the film can feel somewhat cold and bland in iconography and visuals which is a shame as these can be used wonderfully to express an inner turmoil, something constantly brooding within the characters the film is focusing on.
As screenwriter, Alberto gives a somewhat mixed effort in adapting the novel. Multiple side characters and side plots are introduced as a way to fill the runtime, specifically when Dante leaves to spend a year in Chicago and Aristotle has to try to find his own path in El Paso. These plots and characters often leave very little impact on the actual narrative of the film with most of them not even getting a meaningful conclusion or goodbye. These elements end up feeling like filler and it can be frustrating to reflect on the feature and see how little was actually developed in these extended segments.
Still, these issues are far from enough to ruin the feature. Especially for younger audiences, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe will be a charming queer expression that is worthy in its perspective, emotions, and presence. While there are places for improvement, the film still manages to stick the landing and it would be intriguing to see how all parties involved with the film could evolve if the sequel book, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World, ever gets adapted.
