Here’s your first look at the new LGBTQ+ coming-of-age film Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s critically acclaimed novel of the same name, the film follows Ari (Max Pelayo) and Dante (Reese Gonzales), “two Mexican American boys on the cusp of manhood who form a life-changing bond after a chance meeting at an El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.” At the start of the trailer, Ari is seen walking in the sweltering Texas heat while he reflects on his fears of being alone forever. “One summer night, I fell asleep afraid nothing in my family would ever change and I would feel alone forever,” he says in a voice-over.
The trailer then switches over to Ari meeting Dante for the first time, who says he can teach the former how to swim. As the teaser progresses, the two teens get closer after opening up about their dreams and introducing each other to their families.
However things take a dramatic turn when Dante reveals that he and his parents are moving to Chicago for a year. Towards the end of the emotional trailer, the two characters navigate their complicated romantic feelings for each other while also looking inward at who they are and where they fit into the world. “Are there going to be rules for us?” Dante asks Ari, to which the latter replies, “Guess so” – which results in Dante stating, “If you can’t stick by me, it will kill me.” In addition to Pelayo and Gonzales, the new film stars Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives), Kevin Alejandro (Lucifer), Luna Blaise (Manifest), Eugenio Derbez (Instructions Not Included), and Veronica Falcón (Ozark).