The Struggle of Self-Acceptance in LUCA and CALL ME BY YOUR NAME
SONY PICTURES CLASSICOne of the most daunting emotions to face is that of being alone. It is the feeling that, even if one is surrounded by bodies, no one understands or relates to the slice of human experience one is facing. While there are endless combinations of circumstances that can lead to this feeling, one undeniably is that of coming to terms with sexuality and larger identity. The queer community has largely become defined in the modern era by this feeling of loneliness, with queer media representing this since the beginning of film. It is tragic and at times hard to watch, but it is undeniably there both in fiction and in the real world it is reflecting. In this depiction, some works have set the goal of not just showing this isolation, but also exploring how this feeling can be broken and move on to a more ideal sense of self-acceptance and community. In the last few years, two films to set out with this goal, whether openly or not, were Luca Guadagnino's Call Me By Your Name and Enrico Casarosa's Luca.
From the initial announcement of Luca in 2020, a somewhat comedic parallel between the project and Call Me By Your Name was formed. Both set in Italy with two young men coming to terms with their identities that could get them outcasted by the society they belong to; many pointed towards the similarities in jest, yet on release, it became clear that the parallels were much more than just a punchline. Far beyond just the setting, the parallels between the protagonists within the films were obvious. While the ages vary with both individuals on the opposite sides of adolescence, both Elio and Luca are outsiders to their summer stay, with secrets keeping them from truly expressing their authentic selves. Elio visits Crema for the summer where he hides both his sexuality and religion. As he is coming to terms with his bisexuality, he also is insecure about being openly Jewish in a town where the religion sees hardly any representation. Luca runs to Portorosso where he finds himself isolated as a sea monster. The town hunts sea monsters and Luca has to hide this side of himself for fear of being caught and killed.
While this setup sees similarities, it is more in those next to these protagonists where the poignance is found. Stuck in isolation and loneliness, these heroes are able to overcome these hurdles with the help of another outsider. Both more bold and outgoing than their counterpart, Oliver and Alberto play key parts in helping the protagonist find themselves. Oliver stays with Elio for summer and not only helps awaken Elio's sexual feelings, but also sets a role model for Elio to be proud of who he is. As Oliver proudly wears his Star of David necklace around town, so does Elio. In Luca, Alberto is the one to get Luca onto the shore and stands by him as he steps outside of his comfort zone. There is no denying that without Oliver or Alberto, neither Elio nor Luca would grow how they do in their respective films.
This is further showcased at the end of each feature. Rather than a happy ending that sees the pairs continue their adventures and relationships, both films end the same way. With the pairs saying goodbye and braving the terrifying depths of heartbreak to continue to grow as individuals. Oliver boards a train and heads back to the US, just as Luca boards a train and heads to school. Both goodbyes end in tears and while the pain of these scenes is memorable, it is the deeper positivity for these connections that stand out even more. These short-term connections and support systems allowed for these growing characters to mature into the best versions of themselves that they can be.
These films are not just love letters to these specific relationships, but they are love letters to mentors on a far larger scale. Without any grand love story ending or world-changing twist, these films show how powerful and needed mentorship and role models are from those who can understand and relate to the struggles and the world one lives in. No one could touch Elio or Luca as Oliver and Alberto could. This is the pathway these films show for how to get out of that loneliness, that pain of feeling alone. What is beautiful is that even for those without someone in the real world to show this guidance, these films themselves can act as that role model.
Film is a medium to be seen and heard. Filmmakers craft stories and put their hearts out to the world, allowing others to grab it and use it. Call Me By Your Name and Luca have touched millions and have given youth dealing with these identity issues something to latch onto. They show that these individuals are not alone and that someone understands what they are going through, even if it is through a metaphor of a sea monster. That is the beautiy of film and that is absolutely one of the beauties of both Call Me By Your Name and Luca!
