Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a 2023 coming-of-age drama film adapted from the book of the same name. It is written and directed by Aitch Alberto and stars Max Pelayo as Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza and Reese Gonzales as Dante Quintana. It was theatrically released in the United States on September 8, 2023.
During the summer of 1987, El Paso natives Ari and Dante become inseparable friends despite their difference — Ari is aloof and frustrated at his family's secrets, and Dante is unconventional and creative. At the end of the summer, Dante temporarily moves to Chicago and the two boys vow to keep in touch. In the year that follows, both boys wrestle with Mexican-American identity, sexuality, and their changing feelings towards each other.
The film's supporting cast includes Eugenio Derbez and Veronica Falcon as Mr. and Mrs. Mendoza, Kevin Alejandro and Eva Longoria as Mr. and Mrs. Quintana, and Isabella Gómez and Luna Blaise as classmates Gina and Elena.
Tropes:
- Cool Aunt: Ari and his aunt Ophelia adore each other; Ophelia even knowingly gifts him money and condoms during a visit.
- Happy Rain: After they reunite Ari and Dante drive out to the Texas desert and joyously dance in their underwear when a sudden rainstorm occurs.
- Homophobic Hate Crime: As in the book:
- Ari's brother Bernardo had killed a trans prostitute.
- Dante is severely beaten by some boys who saw him kissing a boy in an alley.
- Open-Minded Parent: Ari learns that his aunt Ophelia was a lesbian, and his parents were the only relatives who did not disavow her for it. This fact helps him come to terms with his own sexuality.
- Poster-Gallery Bedroom: Dante comments that the aloof Ari's bare bedroom makes him look like a monk. In contrast, the art-and-literature-loving Dante's room is cluttered and colorful.
- Prefers Going Barefoot: Dante prefers to eschew shoes, even on Texas dirt roads, a character beat that helps underscore his unique way of looking at the world.
- The Reveal: Around 2/3 into the film, Ari finally learns why his brother Bernardo was incarcerated — Bernardo had hired, then killed, a trans prostitute.
- Who Names Their Kid "Dude"?: Dante has to chuckle at Ari's full name, Angel Aristotle.
