Dante is shown unconscious and hospitalized after getting beaten up (off-screen) by multiple homophobic bullies. Ari beats up one of the guys and gets blood on his clothes and hands. Distressing conversation about the violent act that landed Ari's older brother in prison. Aristotle doesn't know how to swim and has to spit out water after going underwater.
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A few kisses between teens and references to kisses. A teen writes candid letters to his best friend that address his sexual identity, his desire to kiss boys, and masturbation.
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Underage drinking (to excess on one occasion) during a couple of party scenes, when Ari's father offers him a beer and when a man buys a six-pack on his behalf. Ari and Dante share a joint that Dante has brought from Chicago to El Paso.
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Two pairs of Converse are prominently featured. Adidas seen.
Positive Messages
a lot
Encourages communication, empathy, friendship, and teamwork. Reveals the wonder of discovering art, literature, unconditional friendship, and first love.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Ari and Dante are both sensitive, intelligent, and protective of each other. Dante is artistic and intellectual. Ari is resilient and protective. Both have supportive and loving parents who encourage their friendship.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Most characters are Mexican and Mexican American, with a majority Mexican/Latino cast: Max Pelayo as Aristotle Mendoza, Reese Gonzales as Dante Quintana, Eugenio Derbez as Mr. Mendoza, Veronica Falcón as Mrs. Mendoza, Eva Longoria as Mrs. Quintana, Kevin Alejandro as Mr. Quintana, and more. There are few female characters outside of two moms, an aunt, and a prospective girlfriend, but the moms are supportive and loving. The main characters are from different social classes. Dante is attracted to other boys. The author of the book is Mexican American and gay, and the film's writer-director is Cuban American and trans.
Parents need to know that Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz' award-winning 2012 young adult novel. The story focuses on two 15-year-old boys who meet at an El Paso pool one summer and become best friends. As with many coming-of-age dramas, the movie addresses sexual identity and experimentation and underage alcohol and drug use (beer, pot). There are also two upsetting moments of violence: one borne out of homophobic bigotry (off-camera) and one out of vengeance (bloody and on-screen). Exepct a few kissing scenes and occasional strong language ("s--t," "a--hole," "ass," "goddamn," "get the hell out," etc.). The movie features diverse representations of gay and Mexican American characters, boasting a Latino writer-director and a mostly Latino cast. Like the source book, the movie encourages compassion, empathy, and honest communication between friends and family. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
It kept true to the story. I wish they went into some of the deeper pieces about his brother a little more, but with the time constraints, very impressive!
What's the Story?
ARISTOTLE AND DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE takes place in 1987 and 1988 in El Paso, Texas, where 15-year-old Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza (Max Pelayo) meets Dante Quintana (Reese Gonzales) at a local pool. The two strike up a fast friendship, bonding over their classically inspired names and different backgrounds: Dante's father is an intellectual professor, and Ari's is a quiet mail carrier. As the summer ends, Dante's family moves to Chicago for a year, and the two boys exchange increasingly confessional letters in which Dante admits he's questioning his sexuality. But Ari, who's spent the year glowing up and partying, is frightened and confused about that possibility. When they finally reunite, Ari and Dante must face the truth about themselves and each other.
This tender, heartwarming YA adaptation explores teen friendship, first love, and sexual identity in 1980s Texas. 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's source material. Pelayo and Gonzales give moving performances as the main characters, who grow from strangers to best friends to something undefinable. The screenplay includes some of the book's best conversations about identity (what does it mean to be Mexican, how do you know if your feelings are friendship or love), loss, literature, and art. This is a slow-building love story, with the buildup of trust and friendship in the vein of Love, Simon and Heartstopper, but set in a time when accepting parents were rare and treasured.
Eugenio Derbez and Verónica Falcón are effective as Ari's parents, who are secretive about why their much-older son is in prison. Eva Longoria and Kevin Alejandro have fewer lines but are still memorable as Dante's worldlier parents. Isabella Summers' score has impact, and Akis Konstantakopoulos' cinematography includes beautiful landscapes of Texas. Despite some of the easier-to-predict plot points, this is a lovely young adult romance that explores mature themes with kindness and grace.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what viewers will learn about the 1980s and El Paso from Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Was this time and place new to you?
How do Ari and Dante influence each other? How are they complementary? Do you consider either of them role models?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Sandie Angulo Chen
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
