
How to Survive a Plague
2012, Documentary/History, 1h 50m
80 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Angry, powerful, and stirring, How to Survive a Plague is a brilliantly constructed documentary about the activists who pushed for action to combat the AIDS epidemic. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
How to Survive a Plague Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
News & Interviews for How to Survive a Plague
Critic Reviews for How to Survive a Plague
All Critics (80) | Top Critics (42) | Fresh (78) | Rotten (2)
-
David France's rousing and inspirational documentary should be required viewing for political activists everywhere.
May 26, 2020 | Full Review… -
There are personal glimpses into the home lives of activists that left many in my theater wiping their tears on their coat sleeve.
May 10, 2016 | Full Review… -
A compellingly watchable portrait of a battle fought under that most memorable rallying cry: "Silence = Death". Bravo.
November 11, 2013 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
This inspirational, unexpectedly hilarious film is a patchwork of archival footage that takes us up to the present day.
November 8, 2013 | Full Review… -
This documentary by David France persuasively argues that one of the greatest grassroots activist campaigns of modern times was the Act Up movement ...
November 7, 2013 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
David France's documentary about the 1980s/90s American gay community and its leading role in discovering "combination therapy" - the anti-HIV magic bullet - will be inspiring among audiences from the G20.
November 7, 2013 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for How to Survive a Plague
-
Feb 10, 2014An excellent documentary that effectively conveyed the desperation, fear and power of the gay community during the height of the AIDS epidemic. Really well done.Christian C Super Reviewer
-
Jul 23, 2013An extremely enlightening overview of that which was the most devastating plague that hit the world in the past century, and an essential historical document that shows how activism played the most important role during the acme of the epidemic.Carlos M Super Reviewer
-
Apr 08, 2013A topic that should have been more interesting to me... but it was quite hard for my interest to survive this dull documentary - and I usually like documentaries.Thomas J Super Reviewer
-
Feb 26, 2013"How to Survive a Plague" is a sad, yet uplifting look at the coalitions ACT UP and TAG in the battle against AIDS. This documentary uses archival footage from the 80s and 90s to show the devastating effects of AIDS, and the constant struggle to get better medication to victims. Some of the footage is heartbreaking, some will enrage you, and some will show you that with enough support and enough people pushing for a cause, that anything can happen. AIDS is still prevalent in the world today, but it isn't nearly as destructive as it was, and it's because of the people showcased in this movie. It deserved it's nominated for "Best Documentary" at the Oscars, just as much so as the other 4 nominees. The movie drags a little in the middle, but I think it's because it doesn't have much of a narrative, and relies mostly on old footage to tell the story. Fascinating movie, that shines a light on taboo subject in our world. Definitely worth a watch.Everett J Super Reviewer
How to Survive a Plague Quotes
There are no approved quotes yet for this movie.
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified