Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza is a storm cloud of a human being. He is angry, isolated, and haunted by a family secret regarding his imprisoned brother. He doesn’t know how to talk about his feelings, so he simply doesn’t talk at all.
Whether you are a longtime fan of the novel or a newcomer looking for a beautiful story about friendship turning into love, this is the film to watch. Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza is a storm cloud of
Dante Quintana is the sun. He is quirky, poetic, loves to draw, and knows how to swim naked in the rain just because it feels right. He asks Ari, “Do you think I’m weird?” Whether you are a longtime fan of the
Director Aitch Alberto (who also wrote the screenplay) understands this intimately. Having worked with the author directly, Alberto has promised a film that is less about melodrama and more about visual poetry. Early production stills hint at a washed, golden-hour aesthetic—the kind of heat-haze cinematography that makes the desert look like a character itself. He asks Ari, “Do you think I’m weird
That question is the ignition key. Over one long, sweltering summer, the two boys navigate the violent borderlands of friendship, family trauma, and the terrifying realization that what they feel for each other might be deeper than friendship. What makes this film different from other LGBTQ+ teen dramas is its refusal to be defined by tragedy. Sáenz’s novel is not a story about coming out ; it is a story about coming home to yourself.
Keep an eye on the festival circuit (following its TIFF premiere) for wide release dates. Rating: Expect a heartfelt PG-13 for language and thematic elements.