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Original Title: Dallas Buyers Club Country of Origin: USA, 2013 Genre: Biographical, Drama Director: Jean-Marc Vallée Screenplay: Craig Borten, Melissa Wallack Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto Medical Topic: AIDS, the early days of antiretroviral treatment The year is 1985, Texas. Ron Woodroof—a cowboy who indulges in cocaine and casual sex—learns that he is HIV-positive. Since AIDS was a new topic at the time and research into its treatment was in its infancy, the only antiretroviral drug approved for use in clinical trials was zidovudine (AZT—azidothymidine). Doctors offered Ron a spot in the trial, but it quickly became clear that he tolerated the drug very poorly. Desperate to stay alive, he seeks help from a Mexican doctor specializing in AIDS patients who had been stripped of his medical license. The doctor recommends that he take “vitamins”—zalcitabine and T-peptide—neither of which had been approved for use at the time. Ron feels better. He also wants to help others struggling with AIDS, so he starts the eponymous “Dallas Buyers Club,” whose members can buy T-peptide, which Ron sources through various channels. What will be the outcome of his actions? See for yourselves :) The 2014 Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role—well-deserved. This film brilliantly depicts the realities faced by people in the early days of the HIV era. Watching it also offers a glimpse into the history of AIDS treatment. I highly recommend it!