3 Needles 2006

In the heart of South Africa, a primal ritual represents the crucial transition from boyhood to manhood, as a group of young men embarks on a profound journey. Their innocence and vulnerability are stripped away as they confront the harsh realities of adulthood.

Simultaneously, in rural China, Jin Ping experiences a life-altering incident when she is apprehended by military personnel for transporting crates of black market blood in her van. The authorities destroy these valuable resources, leaving her susceptible to horrifying repercussions. In a bid to rebuild her life, Jin Ping persuades villagers to donate blood for a mere $5 each; however, her unsanitary equipment leads to tragic outcomes, with many, including Tong Sam’s family, becoming infected with HIV and suffering fatal consequences. The military, led by Xuan, arrives under the guise of offering assistance to fight the disease, yet their true intent becomes apparent as they aid Tong Sam in cultivating rice for his remaining neighbors. Government officials soon visit to test for AIDS, but one villager objects to the exorbitant $10 charge, deeming it a scam, a sentiment rooted in the memories of Jin Ping’s earlier exploitation.

In Canada, a porn star named Denys grapples with the terrifying prospect of being HIV-positive. In a state of denial, he switches his ailing father’s blood samples for his own during testing. Following his father’s death, Denys is overwhelmed with guilt and shame. His mother, Olive, horrified upon discovering her son’s profession, urges him to leave the adult industry. However, when she learns of Denys’ HIV status during a self-help group meeting, she takes drastic measures by deliberately infecting herself with his blood, believing this will secure her financial future through insurance payouts. With newfound wealth, Olive invests in improving their lives, but fate takes a cruel turn when Maria, a former co-worker of Denys, confronts them at dinner. She reveals the reality of the situation: several other porn actors are also HIV-positive due to Denys’ actions, driving home the tragedy with her harrowing words, > “You killed me for $800.”

Amidst the tumultuous landscape of South Africa, a group of nuns—Clara, Mary, and Hilde—arrives at a vast plantation with a mission of service. Clara emerges as a pillar of strength, motivated by a deep compassion for the family of a young rape victim whose grandmother has died, leaving her older brother to bear the weight of their care. As Clara delves into their struggles, she enters into conflict with Hallyday, the plantation’s enigmatic owner, who makes increasingly inappropriate suggestions. In a moment of desperation, she strikes a Faustian bargain with him, sacrificing her dignity for the sake of the family’s future. However, shocking revelations ensue as Clara uncovers the horrifying truth that the older brother is irresponsibly reusing medical supplies, thereby transmitting disease within the community.

The nuns’ harrowing experiences reach a climax when marauding men invades their quarters, leaving them deeply scarred. They ultimately depart the plantation, yet Clara’s spirit remains, her discarded habit symbolizing her newfound independence. The film concludes with Hilde serving as the narrator, embodying a figure of sainthood. Her solemn reflections draw upon the collective prayers of all those whose stories have unfolded on screen. As she contemplates the enigma of human nature, Hilde suggests that the failure of humanity to unite against the devastating force of AIDS ultimately lies at the mercy of God—or, at the very least, our collective perception of Him.