--- title: "Dallas Buyers Club" year: 2013 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/dallas-buyers-club" fi1m_score: 75 critics_score: 74 critics_reviews: 27 published: "2026-09-17T07:51:38.483150+00:00" updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:45.672677+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Dallas Buyers Club (2013) Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée · 1h 57m · MPA R · Drama, History **Fi1m score: 75** · Critics 74 from 27 reviews *In a sentence:* Matthew McConaughey can make asking for help sound like a threat > Matthew McConaughey gives *Dallas Buyers Club* a difficult, persuasive centre as a sick man who refuses to become agreeable. The drama is worth seeing for its performances, with less to offer on the politics of treatment. ## Synopsis Texas electrician and rodeo hustler Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey) receives an HIV diagnosis and refuses to accept that his options have run out. He wants treatment, but the medical system offers little that satisfies him. His homophobia also makes it difficult to accept help from people he readily dismisses. Around him are Eve (Jennifer Garner) and Rayon (Jared Leto), a transgender woman whose company challenges his prejudices. Ron begins looking beyond the approved routes for experimental therapies, bringing his talent for hustling to the practical business of staying alive. ## Review Jean-Marc Vallée directs *Dallas Buyers Club* as a survival drama about a man whose first response to vulnerability is to become more difficult. It is good, often affecting work, worth seeing for the performances rather than for a thorough account of the politics surrounding AIDS treatment. Ron Woodroof’s homophobia is allowed to be ugly, and his determination is not automatically presented as generosity. That gives Matthew McConaughey something more demanding to play than admirable persistence. The physical frailty matters, but Matthew McConaughey does more than make illness visible. He keeps the swagger and impatience active, letting us see how much effort it takes to preserve the old manner when the body is failing. We were moved by his determination to keep sounding combative when he looks so ill. The humour comes from the same place: this is a man trying to retain the upper hand even when he is asking for help. Jared Leto gives Rayon enough bite to make the relationship with Ron feel like an encounter between people who can irritate each other. Their chemistry makes the exchanges enjoyable without requiring us to forget the prejudice behind them. Jennifer Garner brings a useful calm to Eve, though the part receives less attention than either of the central pair. The supporting performances help keep the drama human when the writing begins steering everyone towards Ron’s next lesson. Yves Bélanger’s cinematography keeps the strain in faces legible without making Ron’s appearance the only thing to look at. The attention to physical discomfort helps the film resist the reassuring neatness of an inspirational biography. John Paino’s production design is similarly restrained, with surroundings that seem used rather than arranged for our inspection. That restraint works, although the wider community never becomes as tangible as the central performers; we get a clearer sense of Ron’s exhaustion than of the lives around him. The editing by Jean-Marc Vallée and Martin Pensa keeps the confrontations moving, so the film rarely stalls to announce that an important lesson has arrived. At 117 minutes, it has room for humour without making the illness seem like an inconvenient interruption. The music, credited to AA. VV., leaves the performances room to determine the mood. That is the right emphasis for a film whose laughs depend so heavily on the friction between its actors. The screenplay by Melisa Wallack and Craig Borten is less convincing when individual resourcefulness begins to stand in for an account of the AIDS crisis. It gives us an obstinate man to follow and institutions to push against, but too little sense of people organising beyond his immediate circle. The medical dispute is made easier to follow than it is to examine. Rayon suffers particularly from that narrowing. The performance has to supply the independence that a character written partly to improve someone else is too often denied. The familiar biographical shape will bother anyone hoping for an account of collective activism. Viewers looking for a prickly character drama have better reason to settle in. Watch it for the performances, then keep arguing about whose story ought to have been told. *Fi1m score 75, published 17 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics respond warmly to Dallas Buyers Club, with praise concentrated on Matthew McConaughey’s swagger, physical transformation and portrayal of fear beneath Ron Woodroof’s defiance. Jared Leto also draws strong notices, particularly for the chemistry between the two leads. The favourable reviews value the humour and unsentimental handling of illness, finding an engaging account of survival and changing prejudices. Several credit the direction’s restraint with keeping the drama from becoming overbearing. The disagreement concerns how much the film achieves beyond its performances, and the spread runs from enthusiastic praise to outright disappointment. Reservations centre on conventional redemption scenes, thin supporting characters and simplified politics, though many critics find the acting compensates. Little White Lies questions the queer representation and the sidelining of gay activism in favour of a heterosexual protagonist’s journey. The Evening Standard offers the sharpest dissent, admiring both leads but finding the film around them conventional and dreary. ### Reviews we read (27) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (90/100, inferred): The film is an enthralling drama about a Texas homophobe who hustles his way into experimental HIV treatment after his diagnosis. McConaughey delivers a full-bodied lead performance full of gusto that elevates the story. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/dallas-buyers-club-toronto-review-623772/) - **The Independent** (****): Powerful portrait of defiance focusing on McConaughey's transformation and his affecting relationship with Rayon (Jared Leto). [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/dvd-bluray-reviews-dallas-buyers-club-jamaica-inn-out-of-the-furnace-jack-ryan-shadow-recruit-that-awkward-moment-9453071.html) - **Empire**, Ian Nathan (85/100, inferred): McConaughey delivers a wholly convincing portrayal of a bitter but unbreakable spirit in this study of living, not dying, with Vallée directing conventionally but with magical pauses. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/dallas-buyers-club-review/) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge (85/100, inferred): McConaughey and Leto deliver terrific performances in this riveting true story that puts a fresh twist on the AIDS narrative through an unlikely antihero. The film educates without feeling didactic while entertaining amid grim circumstances. [Read](https://variety.com/2013/film/markets-festivals/dallas-buyers-club-review-toronto-1200602974/) - **Film Comment** (80/100, inferred): Praises the phenomenally transformative performances of Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto as the lead and his transsexual partner, along with the direction and writing that avoid heavy-handed sentimentality. Notes the film's rawer, more sophisticated approach to the story of a flawed man's transformation. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/article/dallas-buyers-club-review-matthew-mcconaughey-jared-leto/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (80/100, inferred): The film is described as a rough, raw, ragged and exhilarating ride led by Oscar-worthy performances from McConaughey and Leto. Directed with an unsentimental hand, it mixes unexpected humor and rebellion with heart-wrenching humanity. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-dallas-buyers-club-review-story.html) - **Screen Daily** (80/100, inferred): The critic calls it an absorbing film driven by a mesmerising lead performance from McConaughey. It singles out his weight-loss, bravado, humour and the elegant telling of the real-life story of transformation and activism. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/dallas-buyers-club/5060159.article) - **Time Out**, Joshua Rothkopf (4/5): The critic praises the film as a stirring showcase for McConaughey's newfound range and fluidity as an actor. It singles out the true story's blend of personal transformation, communal grit and the way a higher purpose emerges for the difficult hero. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/london/film/dallas-buyers-club) - **Vulture**, David Edelstein (80/100, inferred): The movie is a crowd-pleaser that is graceful and funny enough to distract from its gaps, anchored by McConaughey's committed performance as the hustling rodeo cowboy turned unlikely activist. Leto's complete transformation as Rayon stands out. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2013/11/movie-review-dallas-buyers-club.html) - **The AV Club**, A.A. Dowd (B): McConaughey gives a lively, swaggering performance as the real-life Texas electrician fighting for his life and bucking the system after an HIV diagnosis. The biopic conforms facts to dramatic conventions but remains engaging thanks to its lead. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/dallas-buyers-club-1798178496) - **Total Film**, Matt Glasby (75/100, inferred): Triumph as an actors' showcase with magnificent performances from McConaughey and Leto, though less convincing as an 'issues' movie. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/dallas-buyers-club-review/) - **IndieWire**, Eric Kohn (70/100, inferred): McConaughey pulls off a tricky performance in this flawed but affecting biopic. The film balances its story of a homophobic cowboy's transformation with strong acting turns amid some conventional biopic elements. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/review-how-matthew-mcconaughey-pulls-off-a-tricky-performance-in-flawed-but-affecting-dallas-buyers-club-33551/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (70/100, inferred): The film offers a conservative take on entrepreneurial self-help in the Reagan era, with a heterosexual good ol' boy importing AIDS therapies and breaking down homophobia. Matthew McConaughey delivers a barnstorming lead performance as the ornery, resourceful Ron Woodroof. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/feb/06/dallas-buyers-club-review) - **The Telegraph** (70/100, inferred): Matthew McConaughey blazes in the role of the unhealthy Texas rodeo cowboy Ron Woodroof, facing mortality with a convincing performance of physical decrepitude and fear. The film benefits from strong supporting turns and hidden depth beyond the lead's solo effort. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/10295404/Dallas-Buyers-Club-review.html) - **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an affecting if conventional real-life story of medical activism centered on a homophobe’s awakening. McConaughey’s energetic performance is praised, but the simplistic fable and stereotypical supporting character are critiqued. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/01/movies/matthew-mcconaughey-stars-in-dallas-buyers-club.html) - **Little White Lies**, Tina Hassannia (4/3/2): The critic finds the film a calculated prestige picture that never bothers to ask broader questions about the AIDS epidemic. It singles out the questionable queer representation and the way the story sidelines the milieu of gay activism in favor of a heterosexual protagonist's journey. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/dallas-buyers-club/) - **Slant Magazine**, Jesse Cataldo (60/100, inferred): The film is a clear actor's showcase for McConaughey's leathery performance as the gradually transformed hero, achieving little beyond that. It is conventional but never sanctimonious, balancing recovery tropes with sardonic wit. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/dallas-buyers-club/) - **Evening Standard** (40/100, inferred): The performances by McConaughey and Leto are spectacular, but the film itself is mediocre, conventional and dreary, an actors' film lifted only by the acting. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/dallas-buyers-club-starring-matthew-mcconaughey-and-jared-leto-movie-review-9113840.html) - **Eye for Film**, Angus Wolfe Murray (85/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's uncompromising portrayal of a flawed, homophobic hustler fighting for survival after an AIDS diagnosis, highlighting its refusal to soften hard truths. Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto deliver standout, honest performances that underscore themes of courage and common humanity. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/dallas-buyers-club-2013-film-review-by-angus-wolfe-murray) - **Den of Geek**, Don Kaye (4/5): Highlights stunning performances by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto that drive this humane drama about the early years of AIDS and one man's fight against bureaucracy and his own prejudices. Notes some narrative flaws in the second act but finds the journey understated and ultimately illuminating. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/dallas-buyers-club-review/) - **Digital Spy**, Stella Papamichael (4/5): Commends Matthew McConaughey's hulking presence and raw energy in the role of Ron Woodroof, with strong chemistry alongside Jared Leto, making for an upbeat and invigorating take on a terminal illness story. Notes the compelling politics around pharmaceutical testing and the director's restraint. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a542121/dallas-buyers-club-review-matthew-mcconaughey-in-another-great-role/) - **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B): The critic praises the film for celebrating flawed rebels fighting the AIDS epidemic through strong performances by McConaughey and Leto. It highlights their chemistry and the movie's warts-and-all tribute over sanitized portrayals. [Read](https://collider.com/dallas-buyers-club-movie-review/) - **The Playlist**, The Playlist Staff (B): The review calls the film a smartly entertaining true story of one man's fight against AIDS and bureaucracy, buoyed by strong performances from McConaughey and especially Leto, plus tight editing and a balance of drama and humor. It notes the picture sometimes lacks deeper emotional gravity around the lead character's survival. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/tiff-review-dallas-buyers-club-with-matthew-mcconaughey-jared-leto-and-jennifer-garner-20130907/) - **Consequence** (75/100, inferred): The critic calls it a pretty good message movie that trades in theatrics but is saved by the chemistry and performances of McConaughey and Leto. It singles out the leads' ability to add subtlety and restraint to the film's simplistic impulses. [Read](https://consequence.net/2013/11/film-review-dallas-buyers-club/) - **Paste**, Tim Grierson (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the film succeeds with its pragmatic view of a self-interested hero whose tolerance develops gradually through daily interactions. It singles out the odd friendship between Woodroof and Rayon for praise while noting some conventional inspirational elements weaken the ending. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/dallas-buyers-club) - **The Wrap** (70/100, inferred): Matthew McConaughey's intense, transformative performance as Ron Woodroof is the film's sole standout and reason to watch. The rest of the AIDS drama feels schematic and underdeveloped, with thin supporting characters and a script that prioritizes convenience over depth. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/dallas-buyers-club-review-guess-whos-coming-to-hiv/) - **The Skinny**, jamie@theskinny.co.uk (3/5): Finds the redemption narrative terribly banal and old-fashioned, hitting every expected beat with inelegant scenes demonstrating character growth. Credits magnetic performances from Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto for elevating the familiar Hallmark-style material. [Read](https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/new-releases/dallas-buyers-club) ## Details - **Director:** Jean-Marc Vallée - **Director:** Jean-Marc Vallée - **Writer:** Craig Borten, Melisa Wallack - **Cinematography:** Yves Bélanger - **Editor:** Martin Pensa, Jean-Marc Vallée - **Music:** AA. VV. - **Production design:** John Paino - **Costume design:** Kurt Swanson, Bart Mueller - **Producer:** Robbie Brenner, Rachel Winter - **Cast:** Matthew McConaughey as Ron Woodroof; Jennifer Garner as Eve; Jared Leto as Rayon; Denis O'Hare as Dr. Sevard; Steve Zahn as Tucker; Michael O'Neill as Richard Barkley; Dallas Roberts as David Wayne; Griffin Dunne as Dr. Vass - **Runtime:** 1h 57m - **Certificate (MPA):** R - **Release (the US):** 22 November 2013 - **Genres:** Drama, History - **Budget:** $5 million - **Box office:** $56 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDvPcBeOn8E ## Where to watch in the US - Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, hd - Apple TV: rent $3.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $14.99, hd - Apple TV: buy $14.99, hd *Checked 2026-09-17.* Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IN, IT, MX, NO, NZ, PA, SE, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2014: Best Film Editing (nominated); Best Picture (nominated); Best Writing, Original Screenplay (nominated); Best Actor (won); Best Makeup and Hairstyling (won); Best Supporting Actor (won) ## If you liked this - *120 BPM (Beats per Minute)* (2017): Its AIDS activism gives collective struggle the attention Ron’s story largely withholds. - *Ikiru* (1952), Fi1m 92: Another stubborn man faces illness, with more patience for ordinary disappointment. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ikiru.md) - *The Death of Mr. Lazarescu* (2005): Medical bureaucracy seen from the patient’s side, with exhausting, carefully observed indignities. - *Pride* (2014), Fi1m 82: Solidarity grows through awkward encounters, without pretending that prejudice dissolves on contact. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/pride.md) - *The Insider* (1999), Fi1m 89: A difficult man’s fight against institutional power, with fuller attention to the machinery. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-insider.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/dallas-buyers-club