“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is a movie about two Mexican-American teenage boys who become close friends in 1987. The film stars Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales as the main characters. Other famous actors in the movie include Verónica Falcón, Kevin Alejandro, Eva Longoria, and Eugenio Derbez. The genre of this movie is a coming-of-age romantic drama.
Quick Plot Summary
In the movie “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” we follow the story of two boys, Ari and Dante, who become unlikely friends in 1987. Ari is a quiet and troubled teenager, while Dante is more outgoing and unconventional. Despite their differences, they bond over swimming and stargazing. As the summer comes to an end, Dante’s family moves away, but they eventually return the following year. Throughout the movie, Ari learns about his family’s secrets, struggles with his feelings for Dante, and ultimately realizes that he is in love with him. The movie ends with Ari and Dante holding hands in the desert, showing their deep connection and friendship.
Ending Explanation
The ending of “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” symbolizes the journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the deepening of Aristotle (Ari) and Dante’s relationship. After facing many challenges, including personal struggles, societal norms, and family issues, Ari finally comes to terms with his feelings for Dante. This moment of confession and their holding hands signify their acceptance of each other and themselves. It’s a hopeful conclusion that despite obstacles, love and understanding can prevail. The vast desert around them represents the wide-open future ahead, full of possibilities now that they have discovered these important truths about themselves and the universe.
Similar Movies
If you’re looking for movies similar to “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” here are a few recommendations that share themes of coming-of-age, LGBTQ+ relationships, cultural identity, and deep emotional connections:
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Call Me by Your Name (2017) – Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this film is set in 1980s Italy and follows the romantic relationship between a 17-year-old boy and a visiting American scholar. Like “Aristotle and Dante,” it explores the nuances of first love and self-discovery.
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Moonlight (2016) – Directed by Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight” is a powerful coming-of-age story about a young African-American man grappling with his identity and sexuality. The film is presented in three stages of the protagonist’s life, exploring themes of masculinity and vulnerability.
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The Half of It (2020) – This Netflix original directed by Alice Wu is a modern-day Cyrano de Bergerac-esque story that focuses on a shy, introverted student who helps the school jock woo a girl whom they both secretly love. It’s a story of friendship, love, and self-acceptance.
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Love, Simon (2018) – Directed by Greg Berlanti, this film is about a high school student struggling to come out to his friends and family while also trying to identify the anonymous classmate with whom he has fallen in love online. It’s a heartfelt story about the complexities of being a teenager and finding one’s place in the world.
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The Way He Looks (2014) – Directed by Daniel Ribeiro, this Brazilian film tells the story of Leonardo, a blind teenager searching for independence. His life changes completely when he meets Gabriel, and together they discover more about themselves and each other. This movie explores themes of disability, friendship, and young love.
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Summer of 85 (2020) – Directed by François Ozon, this French film is set in the mid-80s and follows the story of a 16-year-old boy who forms a deep bond with an older teen, leading to a summer full of discoveries, love, and loss. It captures the intensity of teenage emotions and the impact of first love.
These films, like “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” provide poignant explorations of youth, identity, and love, making them excellent choices for viewers looking for similar themes and narratives.
Reference: Wikipedia
