Popular book-to-film adaptations often tread a tricky path, as fans of the original source material can be critical of the film medium’s portrayal of their beloved characters and moments from the book. However, it’s essential to recognize that film is an entirely different medium, and criticism of such adaptations can sometimes be unwarranted because they necessarily take creative liberties, diverging from the source material.
As a result, my experience with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was more straightforward, as I had not read the book and, therefore, had no preconceived notions of the story. That being said, this movie left me with the impression of an exceedingly bland narrative lacking a clear focus.
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Aristotle (Max Pelayo) and Dante (Reese Gonzales) first cross paths at the local swimming pool during the summer of 1987 in their hometown of El Paso, Texas. Their connection quickly blossoms into a deep friendship that spans the entirety of that summer. However, their bond is put to the test when Dante’s family relocates to Chicago for a school term, prompted by his father’s new job opportunity. The film primarily unfolds as Aristotle navigates the following year of school, maintaining their connection through written correspondence, all the while grappling with his own emotions and quest for self-identity.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe progression is a little confusing as the audience is led to believe this film will focus on the two boys’ connection, which quickly reveals Aristotle going through the rest of the film alone without Dante’s physical presence.
The film then proceeds to make the audience believe this will be more of a personal journey for Aristotle as he deal with the stereotypes of young Mexican boys growing up and the struggles of being sixteen which again switch to reveal the filmmaker’s supposed focus of it always being about the “will they won’t they” of Aristotle and Dante’s relationship. As a result, the movie felt underwhelming, taking the conventional romantic route rather than a deeper fusion of sexuality, identity, race, and family. Potential themes presented go nowhere in a disappointing manner.
Given the film reveals its primary idea of the boys’ relationship, it would make sense to create a strong bond between the characters to tug at our heartstrings. However, there is little nurturing and development of Aristotle and Dante’s relationship where the scenes between them feel unemotional and bland. Scenes that should feel emotional fall flat because of a lack of depth portrayed in the rushed script.
This is where the difference between books and film comes in. On paper the story may work but when film is involved different elements must be utilized to create a fully formed idea to screen, which Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe failed to do. Max Pelayo came off as a talented performer even if he wasn’t given the ability to grow and perform as an actor. Although the story had the potential to succeed, it was a disappointment to see the movie falter.
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