1985 is a miracle of a film, one that pays tribute to an era, a generation past, and a culture that fueled the progress of LGBTQ civil rights for decades to come.
It takes a lot to stand out among the numerous films about the AIDS crisis, but Campillo has managed to craft one that’s certain to stand the test of time. Distinctive characters and an astute understanding of what made ACT UP so memorable shines through in 120 BPM.
Relying heavily on the personal over the historical, 1985 is a gripping reminder that the social drama need not be loud and tumultuous for it to be effective.