Dallas Buyers Club - reviews of Oscar-nominated Aids drama

Matthew McConaughey is a 'riveting' if unlikely hero in this absorbing docudrama about the Aids epidemic

140207-dallasbuyersclub.jpg

What you need to know

A new drama about the early days of the Aids epidemic in the US, Dallas Buyers Club, starring Matthew McConaughey, opens in UK cinemas today. The film has been widely praised by critics and is nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Actor for McConaughey's performance.

It tells the story of real-life Texan Ron Woodroof (McConaughey), a hard-drinking, promiscuous but straight cowboy, who was diagnosed as HIV-positive and given 30 days to live in the early days of the Aids epidemic. Rejected by his old friends and facing death, he decides to pursue alternative treatments on the black market and distribute the drugs among other sufferers.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee (Young Victoria) it co-stars Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto.

What the critics like

"Get this - Matthew McConaughey is currently the most exciting acting talent at work in movies," says Ian Nathan in Empire. He has turned the notion of the victim narrative inside out with a wholly convincing portrayal of a bitter but unbreakable spirit in this feelgood-feelbad movie.

McConaughey gives a "full-throttle" performance "unlike anything we've seen him do before", says Robbie Collin in the Daily Telegraph. There's also hidden depth in the supporting cast, making this blend of biting character study and campaigning pharmaceutical docudrama zesty and memorable.

What could have been a downbeat drama is deftly handled by director Jean-Marc Vallee in "an absorbing, even entertaining film", says Siobhan Synnot in The Scotsman. McConaughey is riveting to watch in this accomplished and irresistible film, which doesn't trivialise its issues or preach simplistic politics.

What they don't like

"What is largely missing, though, is the sense that Ron's efforts are part of a larger movement," says AO Scott in the New York Times. Ron's bravery and determination are entirely credible, thanks to McConaughey's performance, but his actions seem to unfold a vacuum, ignoring a painful and fascinating history, to play it safe.

To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us