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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Play trailer 2:16 Poster for Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe PG-13 Released Sep 8, 2023 1h 36m Drama Comedy Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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88% Tomatometer 50 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 50+ Verified Ratings
Resentful at the world, 15-year-old Aristotle Mendoza wants to blend in and be left alone, but the summer he meets free spirit Dante Quintana at the local swimming pool, everything changes. Dante is everything Ari isn't, and his wanderlust for life and artistic spirit shake something loose in Ari; finally, he has a friend. A near magical being, Dante disrupts Aristotle's world, introducing him to music, poetry, and lessons about the sky. Dante gives Aristotle permission to live in an ever expansive universe, making it harder and harder for him to maintain the façade of isolation that has protected him for so long. Their summer of adventure comes to an abrupt halt when the boys are torn apart. Armed with a new perspective, Aristotle uses Dante's absence to understand who he wants to be in the world. Ari must decide if he is going to live in the world of infinite possibilities that Dante represents. At first fear holds Aristotle hostage and he retreats into his lonely existence. But Ari soon realizes he can't unsee the world through Dante's eyes. If only he would let go of the secrets he didn't even know he was keeping and embrace the wonders of the universe.
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

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Critics Consensus

A sweet, well-rounded coming-of-age story, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe adapts its source material with tenderness and care.

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Critics Reviews

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Sergio Burstein Los Angeles Times 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] Oct 5, 2023 Full Review Robert Abele Los Angeles Times Aristotle and Dante is distinguished by its atmosphere of compassion in which expression thrives. Sep 11, 2023 Full Review Katie Walsh Tribune News Service 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. Rated: 3/4 Sep 9, 2023 Full Review Alex Valencia Q+ Magazine Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a labor of pure love, crafted with meticulous care and dedication. From its compelling storyline to the poignant messages it conveys, every aspect of the film resonates with genuine affection. Jul 18, 2024 Full Review Jericho Tadeo MovieWeb As we figure out how to move forward in spite of the forces that elicit division, Alberto's film reminds us of the beauty of connection and the everlasting power of empathy — for oneself and for others. Jul 12, 2024 Full Review Andrew Galdi Movie Bitches It never grew to the point of self acceptance… and that’s the whole point Apr 24, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audrey There were a few things from the book I was disappointed were not included in the movie Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/20/23 Full Review Jose I am a fan of the book series and watching the book story come to life in a movie form was a wild ride. The story was told beautifuly, it has a great cast, it has a wonderful nostalgic soundtrack, the special effects at the end was beautiful and tasteful, the directing, production and everything else that went into making this movie was on point. I wish, wish for the second book to be turned into a movie as well, as it deserves as much love as this movie was given. If i could I would go back and watch this movie a hundred more times. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/18/23 Full Review Jacob This is based on my favorite book, and its exactly as I imagined it in my head when reading it. This film is incredible, and tells such a beautiful story about family, identity, love, and just growing up. The entire cast is incredible, and the two main characters, played by Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales really brought Ari and Dante to life. Everything was done so well, from the sets, to the music, to the clothes/styling, to the direction all around you can really feel the passion and care that went into creating this film. Ive already seen it twice, and plan on seeing it again. Please, go watch this movie! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/18/23 Full Review Hector Mendoza Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I cannot begin to express HOW MUCH this movie means to me. I remember reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe in 2012-2013 when I was still in the closet and extremely uncomfortable in my own skin. I finished the book in one sitting because I instantly fell in love. The fact that Ari was a brown boy like me, coming to terms with his sexuality while living in a Hispanic household, resonated with me tremendously. I remember thinking it would be incredible to see Ari and Dante's story come to life on the big screen because it spoke to me on so many levels. I started to follow Benjamin Alire Sáenz and his work after this, which is why I know making this book into a movie was a long journey. The fact that 10-11 years have passed, and my wish finally came true, is unbelievable. I cried so much during the film, and it moved me just as much as it did the first time I read the book. I still can’t believe my favorite book is now on the big screen. In all honesty, everything was well executed, and you can tell there was a lot of love poured into this film. The wait was worth it. I am incredibly grateful to Benjamin Alire Sáenz for sharing this story with us because it helped me come to terms with myself, and it also helped me find a home when I was so lost. Now, I have the book and movie adaptation to hold for many years to come. I can only hope and wish that they make the sequel into a movie *fingers crossed* Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/16/23 Full Review Shelby Absolutely beautiful! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/15/23 Full Review Dylan Absolutely beautiful - have seen it three times because I just absolutely cherish this story and the actors and cinematography knock it out of the park. For me, there were no weak performances or parts you wish you could fast forward. There’s a nostalgic feel good energy, even though there are some hard parts to the story. Stunning all around! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: Exclusive Movie Clip - The Dirt of the World Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: Exclusive Movie Clip - The Dirt of the World 1:08 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis Resentful at the world, 15-year-old Aristotle Mendoza wants to blend in and be left alone, but the summer he meets free spirit Dante Quintana at the local swimming pool, everything changes. Dante is everything Ari isn't, and his wanderlust for life and artistic spirit shake something loose in Ari; finally, he has a friend. A near magical being, Dante disrupts Aristotle's world, introducing him to music, poetry, and lessons about the sky. Dante gives Aristotle permission to live in an ever expansive universe, making it harder and harder for him to maintain the façade of isolation that has protected him for so long. Their summer of adventure comes to an abrupt halt when the boys are torn apart. Armed with a new perspective, Aristotle uses Dante's absence to understand who he wants to be in the world. Ari must decide if he is going to live in the world of infinite possibilities that Dante represents. At first fear holds Aristotle hostage and he retreats into his lonely existence. But Ari soon realizes he can't unsee the world through Dante's eyes. If only he would let go of the secrets he didn't even know he was keeping and embrace the wonders of the universe.
Director
Aitch Alberto
Producer
Eugenio Derbez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Odell, Chris Parker, Kyra Sedgwick, Dylan Sellers, Valerie Stadler
Screenwriter
Aitch Alberto
Distributor
Blue Fox Entertainment
Production Co
Big Swing Productions, Boies Schiller Entertainment, 5000 Broadway Productions, 3Pas Studios, Limelight
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Some Strong Violence|Smoking|Sexual Material|Strong Language|Teen Drug/Alcohol Use)
Genre
Drama, Comedy, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 8, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 14, 2023
Box Office (Gross USA)
$372.1K
Runtime
1h 36m
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