The Cure (Peter Horton, 1995) USA

The Cure (1995) USA

Though it loses some of its steam before the end, this is an uncommonly affecting and unhackneyed story about a friendship between two alienated 11-year-old boys from neighboring middle-class, single-parent homes, one of whom has AIDS. Working from an original script by Robert Kuhn that mixes comedy and tragedy as if they were kissing cousins, actor Peter Horton makes an impressive directorial debut. Though the story is provisionally about intolerance of and ignorance about AIDS, it focuses on the boys’ friendship and adventures–including a Huckleberry Finn-like escape down the river in search of the cure of the title–and the actors do an exceptional job with it, especially Brad Renfro (The Client) and Annabella Sciorra. With Joseph Mazzello, Diana Scarwid, and, in a part that seems to have been severely trimmed, Bruce Davison. - capsule review by Jonathan Rosenbaum

*The Cure* is a 1995 American drama film directed by Peter Horton, starring Brad Renfro as Erik and Joseph Mazzello as Dexter, centering on their friendship as Dexter battles AIDS contracted from a blood transfusion.[1][2] Released theatrically by Universal Pictures on April 21, 1995, it runs 97 minutes and earned $2.57 million at the US and Canada box office, performing modestly despite acclaim for the young leads' performances.[1][2]

## Plot Overview
Erik, a troubled boy in small-town Minnesota, befriends neighbor Dexter despite prejudice against Dexter's AIDS diagnosis; their bond deepens as Erik prefers Dexter's supportive mother over his own neglectful one.[1][3] Hearing of a rumored cure from a New Orleans doctor, the boys embark on a Mississippi River adventure, facing dangers and growing closer.[3][4] The story highlights themes of friendship, stigma, and resilience amid 1990s AIDS fears.[1]

## Cast and Crew
- Brad Renfro as Erik (nominated for Young Artist Award).[1]
- Joseph Mazzello as Dexter (nominated for Young Artist Award).[1]
- Annabella Sciorra as Dexter's mother, Linda; Diana Scarwid as Erik's mother, Gail.[2]
- Written by Robert Kuhn; score by Dave Grusin (Grammy-nominated).[1]

## Reception and Awards
Critics gave mixed reviews but praised the child actors, with Roger Ebert noting moving passages despite narrative flaws.[1][4] Renfro won a YoungStar Award; the film took the Audience Award at Cinekid Festival.[1] It holds nostalgic appeal today, as seen in fan discussions.[9]

Citations:
[1] The Cure (1995 film) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cure_(1995_film)
[2] The Cure https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112757/
[3] The Cure (1995) - Plot https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112757/plotsummary/
[4] The Cure movie review & film summary (1995) https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-cure-1995
[5] The Cure - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cure
[6] The Cure (película de 1995) https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cure_(pel%C3%ADcula_de_1995)
[7] The Cure (1995) ⭐ 7.7 | Adventure, Drama https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112757
[8] El poder de la amistad (1995) https://www.imdb.com/es/title/tt0112757/
[9] The Cure (1995) with Brad Renfro and Joseph Mazzello https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/16nd32e/the_cure_1995_with_brad_renfro_and_joseph_mazzello/
[10] The Cure https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1061860-cure