The movie is based on a young adult novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, set in El Paso, Texas in 1987. It tells the story of two Mexican teenagers, Ari and Dante, and their struggles with identity, sexuality, and family relationships.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
In 1987 El Paso, two teenage Mexican-American misfits forge an unexpected bond as they navigate their identities and tackle the challenges of growing up.