Max PelayoandReese Gonzalesare leading a coming-of-age story inAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.

The young actors star in the upcomingAitch Alberto-written-and-directed film set in 1987 El Paso, Texas, and centered on the trials and tribulations of boys turning into men.

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Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales inAristotle and Dante(2023).Blue Fox Entertainment

Aristotle and Dante, film still

Blue Fox Entertainment

A bond is instantly formed between the two boys, who are seen enjoying the summer together in a montage. One school friend tells Ari she’s noticed “there’s something different about you” after he’s befriended Dante, adding, “I like it."

“My parents want to prevent me from becoming my brother,” Ari later tells Dante, sharing that his brother is in prison.

They meet each other’s family members, who seem to approve of the companionship wholeheartedly. The teenssoon become pen palsafter Dante moves away, with the latter writing in a letter to Ari that he misses El Paso and thinks about it “all the time.”

“Dear Dante, sorry I haven’t written. Maybe keeping things inside is just the way it has to be,” Ari writes in a return letter.

Based onBenjamin Alire Sáenz’s bestselling 2014book of the same name,Aristotle and Dantefeatures a supporting cast ofEva Longoria(playing Dante’s guardian), Eugenio Derbez, Veronica Falcón and Kevin Alejandro.

Max Pelayo and Eva Longoria inAristotle and Dante(2023).Blue Fox Entertainment/ YouTube

Aristotle and Dante, film still, Eva Longoria

Blue Fox Entertainment/ YouTube

“It has been a privilege to support Aitch’s vision for the film throughout this journey, and I am proud of the film she, along with the entireAristotle and Danteteam, has created,” Miranda, 43, said in a press release.

He added of the two lead actors, “From their first chemistry test, we knew they wouldbe a special pair onscreen. I can’t wait for both fans of the novel and new audiences alike to discover the honesty and vulnerability that Max and Reese bring to their characters.”

“They are gifted young actors. I believe they have long careers ahead of themselves,” Miranda said.

The film received rave reviews after its premiere at theToronto International Film Festivallast year.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universeis in theaters Sept. 8.

source: people.com