Dallas Buyers Club is the harrowing account of a down-and-out rodeo cowboys struggle to come to terms with his HIV diagnosis in the 80s. Sounds bleak, doesn't it? It is unrelenting but its the sort of film thats deeply affecting and improbably life-affirming. Plus, the acting performances are utterly believable.
First up, Matthew McConaughey is practically unrecognisable as painfully thin, moustachioed, substance abuser Ron Woodroof. His character transformation during the film is remarkable too from a despicable, homophobic no-hoper into an inspiring, generous, crusader who does much to help sufferers at the height of the 80s AIDs crisis.
Jared Leto is also brilliant as the drug-addicted transsexual Rayon, with whom Ron enters into both business and friendship.
Go and watch Dallas Buyers Club: its an extraordinary film.
In cinemas 7 February 2014.