Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

PG-13

Released Sep 8, 2023

1 hr. 36 min.

Drama

Comedy

Fantasy

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List

88%

49 Reviews

Tomatometer

95%

50+ Verified Ratings

Audience Score

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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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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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

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Aitch Alberto

Director

Max Pelayo

Aristotle Mendoza

Reese Gonzales

Dante Quintana

Eugenio Derbez

Jaime Mendoza

Eva Longoria

Soledad Quintana

Verónica Falcón

Liliana Mendoza

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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: Exclusive Movie Clip - The Dirt of the World

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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: Trailer 1

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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

Andrew Galdi

Movie Bitches

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

Apr 24, 2024

Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast

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.

Jan 16, 2024

Full Review

Carla Hay

Culture Mix

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.

Dec 18, 2023

Full Review

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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
Executive Producer: Aitch Alberto, Meredith Bagby, David Boies, Zack Schiller
Screenwriter: Aitch Alberto
Distributor: Blue Fox Entertainment
Production Co: Big Swing Productions, 3Pas Studios, Limelight, 5000 Broadway Productions, Boies Schiller Entertainment
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

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