Review of Dallas Buyers Club (2013) by Claire M — 15 Jul 2014

What a truly magnificent film, opening new avenues for everyone involved. The story follows heterosexual rodeo star Ron (Matthew McConaughey) and his journey through devastating news that he only has 30 days to live after contracting HIV in the 80s.

Unable to accept his fate, he seeks new medication for himself and other people who need it. He begins smuggling these drugs from Mexico and sets up his exclusive "Buyers Club" for HIV positive people to pay monthly dues for access to these life extending drugs.

Along the way Ron finds an unlikely ally in Rayon (Jared Leto), a transexual, who teaches him far more than helping to run the club, but opens his mind to the fact he is not the only one fighting for acceptance and dignity to live or die on their own terms.

This is most certainly the performance of McConaughey's life giving him the credence he deserves, but it has to be said that for me not only was this also so for Leto, Leto proved he is far more than a supporting actor in this film - he deserved every ounce of praise he received and, for me, stole the show.

With that said for both actors, when you watch this film I challenge you not to be in awe with the amount of dedication and passion they both put in to this eye opening portrayal.