Six days till the Oscars… can’t wait! her has certainly been my front-runner this awards season. That was until Dallas Buyers Club. Based on the true story of Ron Woodroof, who was diagnosed with AIDS in 1985 and given 30 days to live, this movie just blew me away. What a performance by Matthew McConaughey. Not only his physical transformation (he lost nearly 40 pounds) but the depth of his performance. A far cry from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

In reading a few reviews this morning, I was shocked to learn that this film has not only been making its way around Hollywood since the 90’s but almost didn’t happen. Craig Borten, the screenwriter who came up with the idea for the film, said “Everyone was afraid of it.” But Mr. Borten didn’t give up. He interviewed Ron for several hours and wrote and rewrote the script close to 50 times. The film was originally set to be filmed in Canada, but when financing fell through, production began in Louisiana.

This is a story about survival. As Ron says “At any given moment you have the power to say this is not how the story is going to end.” In his quest to find the best medicine he can, he uncovers the hypocrisy that exists between the drug companies and the Food and Drug Administration and sets out to import the right drugs from around the globe, first starting in Mexico. Not only does he want to improve his own life, but the lives of everyone affected by this tragic disease. His friendship with Rayon, played by Jared Leto, is one of the most touching. Overall, superb acting by all in this film, including Jennifer Garner.

2557. Watch this must see film and you’ll know what this number is!