How to Survive a Plague (2012)

Immersed in the heart of a medical maelstrom, "How to Survive a Plague" journeys back to the years between 1987 and 1996, a period marked by the height of the AIDS epidemic. Through a poignant tapestry of archival footage, many of them intimate home-shot videos, the film spotlights the relentless struggle of a group of Greenwich Village-based AIDS activists, primarily associated with ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power). Stricken by the disease themselves, these activists waged a war for survival in an era when an AIDS diagnosis was akin to a death sentence. New York City, the epicenter of the epidemic, became their battleground against apathy, protocol, and prejudice. The activists faced formidable adversaries: indifferent frontline workers, profit-driven pharmaceutical companies, lackluster government agencies, and politicians who, instead of championing their cause, were more inclined to place blame. Despite the grim backdrop, the film shines a light on the tenacious spirit of these activists who, confronted with the daunting barrier of inaction, evolved into experts pioneering their path. Their fight was not just against the disease but also against societal roadblocks, including the Roman Catholic Church's moral opposition to the use of condoms to prevent virus transmission and the blatant hostility of figures like North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms. Central to this narrative is their quest for life-saving drugs, not legally accessible in the US, which propelled them into a battle against corporate greed and skewed scientific research priorities. However, even in the face of such adversity, they remained undeterred. Their audacity sparked a political wave that not only led to an effective treatment regime but also propelled LGBT rights beyond anyone's expectations. As the film nears its conclusion, surviving activists reflect on the transformative shift of 1996 and their lives in its aftermath. "How to Survive a Plague" is a stark exploration of a dark period in history and a triumphant testament to the power of activism, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to survive.

How to Survive a Plague is a documentary movie featuring Larry Kramer.

How to Survive a Plague is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Plex, Plex Player, Pluto TV and Tubi TV and it's also available on AMC Plus Apple TV Channel , AMC+, AMC+ Amazon Channel and DIRECTV.

It is also possible to buy How to Survive a Plague on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube or rent it on Microsoft Store.