Overview
A heartfelt journey of friendship and hope against the backdrop of a devastating illness.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- tender
- wistful
- poignant
- reflective evening
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the warm, layered performances and affecting friendship drama while finding the latter plot increasingly predictable, implausible, and manipulative.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Erik and Dexter's friendship develops as Dexter's AIDS progresses and the boys confront the possibility of death.
The boys travel down the Mississippi River toward New Orleans seeking a doctor who might help Dexter.
Dexter's condition shapes how adults respond to him, while Erik's loyalty challenges fear and disapproval.
The film combines warmth, humor, wistfulness, and intense grief through the boys' relationship.
Films like The Cure, and why
My Girl
coming-of-age friendship drama centered on illness, innocence, and emotional loss
The Bucket List
poignant childhood friendship, terminal illness, and bittersweet emotional intensity
Stand by Me
road movie structure, male friendship, youthful adventure, and heartfelt drama
A Walk to Remember
compassionate coming-of-age drama about friendship amid serious illness
Movie Details
- Director
- Peter Horton
- Release Date
- 1995-04-21
- Runtime
- 97 min
- Rating
- 7.9 / 10 (370)
Cast
- Joseph Mazzello
- Brad Renfro
- Annabella Sciorra
- Diana Scarwid
- Bruce Davison
- Nicky Katt
- Aeryk Egan
- Renée Humphrey
- Peter Moore
- John Carroll Lynch
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Cure about?
- Two boys forge an extraordinary friendship and risk everything on a river journey as one confronts the realities of AIDS.
- What is The Cure like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Cure as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Cure violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Cure as mild.
- What did critics think of The Cure?
- Critics broadly praised the warm, layered performances and affecting friendship drama while finding the latter plot increasingly predictable, implausible, and manipulative.
- Which films are like The Cure?
- Films with a similar feel include My Girl, The Bucket List, Stand by Me, and A Walk to Remember.
- How long is The Cure?
- The Cure runs 97 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Cure?
- In United States, The Cure is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store.
