BPM (Beats Per Minute)

As the early 1990s dawned, a collective of HIV/AIDS activists affiliated with the Paris chapter of ACT UP embarked on a tumultuous journey to galvanize action against the devastating AIDS epidemic. Despite the French government's declarations of support for those afflicted by the virus, ACT UP staged defiant public protests, decrying the sluggish pace and perceived censorship of the government's efforts. The group's ire was further fueled when pharmaceutical giant Melton Pharm announced its plans to reveal trial results at a prestigious conference the following year, prompting ACT UP to occupy its offices with mock blood and demand immediate access to the data.

As tensions simmered within the organization, a schism emerged between those advocating for bold, attention-grabbing actions and those pushing for more measured approaches aimed at persuading scientists to share their findings. This dichotomy was exemplified in the group's internal debates, with some members championing a more militant stance while others urged a more nuanced strategy that balanced showmanship with persuasion.

In the midst of these ideological conflicts, ACT UP struggled to plan a Gay Pride parade that would surpass previous years' events and inject some much-needed hope into the dire atmosphere spawned by the AIDS epidemic. However, this quest for positivity was often undercut by the stark realities of the crisis, as exemplified in the case of Helene, the mother of a teenager who contracted HIV through tainted blood transfusions.

As the radical wing of ACT UP became increasingly vocal in their demands for direct action, some members began to question whether this approach was aligned with the group's core principles. The violent attack on Helene, who had advocated for politicians to be held accountable for their mishandling of blood screening – which had ultimately led to her son's HIV infection – only served to further polarize the organization.

Throughout these tumultuous times, ACT UP's internal struggles were marked by a pervasive sense of discord, as different factions vied for dominance and the group struggled to find a unified voice amidst the chaos.

As the narrative gradually transforms from a portrayal of ACT UP's bold political activism to the deeply personal tales of its members, the film subtly hints at the devastating consequences that lie ahead. Jeremie, a vulnerable youth living with HIV, watches in horror as his health rapidly disintegrates, foreshadowing the heart-wrenching events that will soon unfold. In a poignant display of solidarity, ACT UP honors Jeremie's passing by parading through the streets, publicly acknowledging the faces and names of those lost to AIDS.

Meanwhile, newcomer Nathan, an HIV-negative individual, finds himself drawn to the passionate and dedicated Sean, a gay man living with the disease. As their romantic relationship blossoms, the two men engage in candid discussions about their sexual pasts. Sean's story is marked by tragedy: he contracted HIV at just sixteen from his married math teacher. As Sean's health begins its inexorable decline, his T-cell count plummets to a mere 160, and Nathan offers to care for him as he navigates the final stages of the disease.

As Sean's condition worsens, he is released from the hospital to receive end-of-life care at Nathan's apartment. In a gut-wrenching decision, Nathan chooses to euthanize Sean, bringing a quiet close to their tumultuous relationship. The ACT UP community comes together to mourn Sean's passing with a solemn wake held in their own home.

In a defiant act of resistance, the group later invades a health insurance conference, scattering Sean's ashes over the attendees and their meals as a poignant reminder of the systemic failures that contributed to his demise. This powerful display of grief and activism serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of ACT UP members like Sean, who continued to fight for their rights and the rights of those affected by AIDS until their very last breath.