Northern Italy, 1983: The Perlman family spends the summer in a sophisticated villa. The 17-year-old son Elio reads books, listens to classical music and flirts with Marzia. His father, a professor emeritus, is preoccupied with antique statues. A guest named Oliver, an attractive archaeologist, supports the father in his work. Oliver's presence upsets the feelings of the pubescent Elio. Elio realises that he still has a lot to learn about life and love.