The universe is infinite. Forever ebbing and flowing, millions upon millions of stars and galaxies exist in the endless cosmos. Like the universe, love, too, is infinite. However, love separates itself from the former by being devoted to a single heart in a sea of billions. This is the story of our protagonists in the romantic drama film “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” (2023), written and directed by Aitch Alberto.
I had the privilege of seeing this masterpiece in theaters on Sept. 8, the day of its theatrical release and the day before my birthday. After viewing the film in its entirety, I can gladly confirm that it was the best early birthday present ever. With my popcorn and drink in hand, I sat back and enjoyed what would delight my senses for the next hour and a half.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
Based on the novel of the same name by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” takes direct inspiration from the events in the book with a few minor exceptions. The film was first screened at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 9, 2022, finally debuting in American theaters a full year later. It follows the self-discovery journey of Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza as he navigates through high school and adolescence. He meets fellow Mexican-American Dante Quintana, the boy who would eventually change his perspective on life forever.
Brimming with references to ’80s pop culture and fashion, the movie excels at evoking nostalgia. Even as someone unfamiliar with the aesthetic, I felt transported back in time. My entrancement was heightened by the pitch-black darkness and silence in the movie theater. Alone in my senses, I was touched by a tingling sensation every time an outdated vehicle or wild landscape graced the screen.
I was very fond of Ari and Dante, the leads of the story. They face many adversities throughout the course of the film, some of which resonated deeply with me. For Ari, played by actor Max Pelayo, these were accepting his friend’s absence in his hometown, his brother’s true reason for being in prison, and his aunt’s unfortunate passing due to a sudden stroke. Most of all, Ari was confronted by his love for Dante, played by actor Reese Gonzales, in the final act of the story. Dante, like Ari, also faces internal conflict, as detailed by the letters sent to his friend while away in Chicago, questioning his own sexuality. The movie perfectly captures Ari’s growing frustration with life through his more reserved behavior and periodic outbursts. We as viewers also see Dante get exposed first-hand to the discrimination and violence against openly queer individuals during a late 1980s America. This is what I believe to be the essence of a coming-of-age film: one that does not shy away from being uncomfortable, showing the realities that the “othered” members of society have to face. The raw emotions displayed by Pelayo and Gonzales bring the movie’s realism and dark plotline to the forefront.
Acceptance of one’s identity is the ultimate lesson that “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” attempts to convey. This notion becomes especially clear towards the end of the film when Ari is confronted by Dante’s love for him. Initially, he is adamant against showing any form of romantic affection, having not yet come to terms with his genuine feelings for Dante. However, as Ari’s violent and jealous tendencies start to unravel, he is faced with the decision to finally accept Dante into his life out of fear of hurting him and others. I greatly appreciate the movie for how it approaches the sensitive and under-explored topic of discovering one’s sexuality from the lens of queer people of color. Alberto does an excellent job at showing that for people of color, this discovery and realization can be especially challenging given their cultural differences and obstacles. Alberto recognizes that queer people of color navigate the world uniquely, as represented by Ari’s acceptance of his sexuality. Furthermore, this movie’s recurring themes provide viewers who personally identify with Ari and Dante with a conviction to finally embrace themselves, which I find important as well.
Considering this is her debut feature film, I believe Alberto did the book justice and directed a movie that will connect with generations to come. The seven years that were committed to this passion project will not be without praise. I write this review with the hope of encouraging others to watch the film. Ever since its release a month ago, it has started to fade out of theaters. It is a shame that indie films are not represented to their fullest in Hollywood compared to popular blockbusters such as “Barbie” (2023), a trend that I hope changes for the better in the near future. Watching the movie in theaters was a special experience for me and a number of others I spoke to who saw the movie. I invite students to see the film once it becomes available to watch on popular streaming platforms! I wish to pass this wonderful experience to those reading right now; “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is not one to miss!