Loosely based on the true story of Ron Woodruff who was diagnosed with AIDS in 1985, and - in response to Food & Drug Administration rulings making it difficult for patients to get access to potentially helpful medicine - set up a subscription based Buyers Club to enable sufferers access to medication.


Matthew McConaughey is an uncanny presence, having emaciated his usually full, muscular physique to strikingly get across the wasting effect that the disease has had on Woodruff. At first Ron is completely ignorant to his condition, drinking, taking drugs, engaging in unprotected promiscuity, and also - most unflatteringly - casually racist and homophobic with his friends and co-workers.


After an incident at work the hospital is alarmed by the presence of HIV in his bloodwork, and, after a few days of denial, Ron begins to realise the solemntiy of his situation. At first, desperately appealing to the hospital for access to a new drug undergoing clinical trials. When his request is denied he begins a quest of self-preservation that ultimately leads him to becoming something of a life-line to his fellow sufferers.


More importantly, as far as the character's arc is concerned he develops a working relationship with Rayon (Jared Leto), an HIV-positive transgender woman, who is Ron's "in" amongst other AIDS sufferers.


His operation is beset upon by the FDA - spearheaded by Richard Barkley (Michael O'Neill) - who go to great lengths to hinder his attempts to provide unapproved medicine. Meanwhile Ron also has a casually flirtatious relationship with Dr. Eve Saks (Jennifer Garner) who becomes increasingly sympathetic to his endeavours, and stifled by the bureaucratic and seemingly cash-driven wranglings of the hospital administration and the FDA.


The plot is pretty by the numbers, and character arcs are generally predictable, but it's the performances that really drive this film. McConaughey continuing an incredible run of work, and furthering his position as possibly the most exciting American leading actor working today. His portrayl of Ron is commendably unflattering, he's never the most likable of people, but, through his situation the best of him is pushed to the surface.


Jared Leto has little to work with from the script, and it's a shame that his relationship with Ron is side-lined in favour of flirtations with Dr. Saks. It's in the quiet moments that Leto works best, though it is a shame - as has been noted - that an actual transgender actor couldn't have taken this prominent role.


Garner is good in a largely unrewarding part, Steve Zahn provides his usual warmth and levity as Ron's friend Tucker, and Griffin Dunne is a schlubby and likable presence in his brief appearance as physician Dr. Vass.


Whilst it's a consistently engaging and enjoyable film, it leaves you more with a sense of impotent frustration in regards to profit-based pharmaceutical care than it does with a tear in your eye.

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