It never grew to the point of self acceptance… and that’s the whole point

Full Review | Apr 24, 2024

While the film lacks the character depth and the parents' backstories from the book, the two lead performances are great and the love story, which is front and center, is very satisfying.

Full Review | Jan 16, 2024

The engaging and realistic perfomances by Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales keep things interesting in this self-identity teen drama when the story starts to wander and get unfocused. The ending is predictable, but the journey to get there is worth watching.

Full Review | Dec 18, 2023

Despite its alluded sweetness, [Aitch Alberto] succeeds in imposing an almost palpable esthetic sensibility, and of course, succeeds in extracting the best from her young actors. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Oct 5, 2023

Alberto doesn't hit viewers over the head with eighties nostalgia. She has crafted a sweet, disarmingly tender coming-of-age tale, one that believes opposites not only attract but also bring out the best in each other. It gives your heart a warm squeeze.

Full Review | Oct 2, 2023

A labor of love that was written for the screen and directed by Aitch Alberto, the movie is a faithful and well-executed tribute to author Benjamin Alire Sáenz' source material.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 21, 2023

Its story a bit uneventful for screen translation, this is nonetheless a pleasant film...

Full Review | Sep 19, 2023

A good coming-of-age drama that strays from some of the more standard versions of this kind of story.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Sep 13, 2023

Aristotle and Dante is distinguished by its atmosphere of compassion in which expression thrives.

Full Review | Sep 11, 2023

Actors Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales have affecting, genuine chemistry with each other, and the connection between their characters makes this such a sweet, heartfelt YA film.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Sep 11, 2023

Charming...but safe, unchallenging, PG-13 and just bougie enough to fit in that “Love, Simon” formula.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 11, 2023

A sweet-natured, coming-of-age movie with breakthrough performances from newcomers Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Sep 11, 2023

One might be able to see the trajectory of this relationship from a mile away, but Alberto barely cares about our response to such obvious telegraphing.

Full Review | Sep 11, 2023

a very sweet teen love story with a big heart. I'd definitely recommend it

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Sep 11, 2023

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.

Full Review | Sep 11, 2023

The stories of growing up and finding yourself remain the same, but it’s the moving performances and specific details embroidered on this one that make it so special.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 9, 2023

It’s pretty easy to fall in love with Ari and Dante, but the movie is only in love with the idea of them, neglecting quality time between the characters that would really make us feel like they've traveled through galaxies and beyond.

Full Review | Original Score: C | Sep 9, 2023

Bolstered by Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales’s genuine chemistry, Alberto’s heartwarming direction makes this a film that shouldn’t be kept secret.

Full Review | Sep 8, 2023

The lead actors carry the film, and the individual scenes are strong, though it never quite captures the deep longing that is threaded throughout the original.

Full Review | Sep 8, 2023

Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales completely own these characters and bring them to life from the pages of a beloved novel in LGBTQ+ circles. This is their tale, and each actor plays the part perfectly.

Full Review | Sep 8, 2023