BPM (Beats Per Minute)

BPM (Beats Per Minute)

Year: 2017

Runtime: 140 min

Language: French

Director: Robin Campillo

Echo Score: 85
Drama

In 1990s Paris, Nathan, a young and dedicated activist, joins ACT UP, a group fighting against AIDS. He becomes deeply involved in their demonstrations and campaigns, driven by a desire to make a difference. As he becomes more committed, Nathan grapples with the group's uncompromising methods and the emotional toll of their relentless activism, ultimately questioning his own beliefs and the sacrifices demanded by the fight.

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Timeline – BPM (Beats Per Minute) (2017)

Trace every key event in BPM (Beats Per Minute) (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

ACT UP Formation

In the early 1990s, a devoted group of activists from the Paris chapter of ACT UP comes together to fight against the growing AIDS epidemic. They feel a strong sense of urgency to initiate action and raise awareness in response to the crisis affecting countless lives.

1990s Paris
2

Government Response

The French government acknowledges the plight of those affected by HIV/AIDS, signaling some support for the community. However, ACT UP quickly views this as insufficient and becomes determined to confront the government's slow progress in addressing the epidemic.

France
3

Public Protests Begin

Frustrated by the government's inertia, ACT UP organizes bold public protests. During these demonstrations, they publicly accuse authorities of censorship and downplaying the urgency of the AIDS crisis, demanding immediate action to save lives.

Paris
4

Melton Pharm Announcement

Tensions rise when Melton Pharm reveals plans to announce its HIV trial results at an upcoming conference. ACT UP perceives this as an opportunity to press for transparency regarding the treatment's efficacy, making their next move essential.

Melton Pharm offices
5

Storming the Offices

In a bold and daring action, ACT UP storms the offices of Melton Pharm with fake blood, demanding to know the results of their HIV trials. This confrontation highlights their fight for accountability and urgency surrounding HIV treatment breakthroughs.

Melton Pharm offices
6

Internal Struggles

As ACT UP grows, internal divisions begin to emerge, with members engaging in heated debates over strategies. The tension between pursuing aggressive tactics versus maintaining dialogue with scientists creates a challenging atmosphere within the group.

ACT UP meeting space
7

Planning for Pride

Recognizing the impact of the AIDS crisis on their community, ACT UP members discuss organizing a more significant Gay Pride parade. They express concerns about the overshadowing sense of loss that has permeated their lives and seek to reclaim their celebration.

Paris
8

Clash of Ideals

A confrontation occurs when radicals within ACT UP clash with Hélène, a mother advocating for justice after her son contracted HIV via a blood transfusion. This event reveals deep divisions over how best to confront injustices and push for change within the group.

ACT UP meeting
9

Jérémie's Decline

Amidst the activism, the story focuses on Jérémie, a young man living with HIV who faces a rapid decline in health. His deterioration serves as a painful reminder of the epidemic's relentless toll on individuals and becomes a catalyst for ACT UP's actions.

Paris
10

March for Jérémie

Following Jérémie's death, ACT UP organizes a march through the streets in his memory. They honor him as part of the larger legion of AIDS victims, transforming their grief into a call for continued activism and remembrance.

Paris
11

Nathan and Sean's Relationship

Newcomer Nathan, a gay man not living with HIV, becomes involved with Sean, a passionate activist whose health is deteriorating. Their relationship blossoms amidst the challenges of living with a chronic illness, showcasing both love and hardship.

Paris
12

Sean's Hospitalization

Sean experiences increasingly severe health issues, with his T-cell count plummeting. Nathan steps in to provide support during this critical time, illustrating the intense personal struggles faced by those living with HIV.

Hospital
13

Nathan's Heartbreaking Choice

After Sean is discharged from the hospital for end-of-life care, Nathan faces the agonizing decision to euthanize him, granting his partner peace. This moment is a significant turning point in the narrative, marking the intersection of personal love and loss.

Home
14

Final Wake for Sean

ACT UP holds a wake for Sean, allowing members to reflect on their shared grief and the impact of his loss on the group. This gathering emphasizes the community's bond in the face of personal tragedy and collective struggle.

ACT UP meeting space
15

Dramatic Demonstration

In a powerful tribute to Sean, ACT UP stages a demonstration at a health insurance conference, scattering his ashes among the attendees. This act merges personal mourning with their ongoing fight for justice, symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity.

Health insurance conference

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 11:40

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Characters, Settings & Themes in BPM (Beats Per Minute)

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