How to Survive a Plague

2012, Documentary/History, 1h 50m

80 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

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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

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How to Survive a Plague Photos

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Movie Info

In the late 1980s, members of Act-Up and other AIDS activists battle indifference and hostility to bring attention to the disease and play a huge role in reducing the number of AIDS-related fatalities in the U.S.

Cast & Crew

David Barr
Jim Eigo
Ann Northrop
Larry Kramer
Gregg Bordowitz
Peter Staley
David France
Director
Tyler H. Walk
Writer
David France
Writer
Todd Woody Richman
Writer
Dan Cogan
Executive Producer
Joy A. Tomchin
Executive Producer
David France
Producer
Howard Gertler
Producer
Todd Woody Richman
Film Editing
Tyler H. Walk
Film Editing
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Critic Reviews for How to Survive a Plague

All Critics (80) | Top Critics (42) | Fresh (78) | Rotten (2)
Full Review… Geoffrey Macnab Independent (UK) Full Review… Monica Castillo Bitch Media Full Review… Mark Kermode Observer (UK) Full Review… Charlotte O'Sullivan London Evening Standard Full Review… Peter Bradshaw Guardian Full Review… Nigel Andrews Financial Times Full Review… B. Ruby Rich Film Quarterly Full Review… Nicholas Bell IONCINEMA.com Full Review… Mattie Lucas From the Front Row Full Review… C.J. Prince Way Too Indie Full Review… Ren Jender Bitch Flicks Full Review… Peter Gutiérrez CineVue
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Audience Reviews for How to Survive a Plague

  • Feb 10, 2014
    An 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, 2013
    An 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overview of that which was the most devastating plague that hit the world in the past century, and an essential historical document that shows how activism played the most important role during the acme of the epidemic.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, 2013
    A 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
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