

The Cure
Erik, a loner, finds a friend in Dexter, an eleven-year-old boy with AIDS. They vow to find a cure for AIDS together and save Dexter's life in an eventful summer.
Critics Sentiment
Linda breaks down crying and tells Erik he was Dexter's cure
Dexter dies for real when the third doctor arrives
The devastating drop when Dexter actually dies followed by the transcendent rise during Linda's breakdown scene where she tells Erik he was the real cure
The Cure builds steadily from a promising but conventional setup to create one of cinema's most authentic childhood friendships. The film peaks emotionally not at the tragic death itself, but in the profound realization that friendship was the true cure all along, delivered through what reviewers universally praised as a masterful, Oscar-worthy performance. Despite handling the sensitive AIDS topic during a time of widespread ignorance and fear, critics consistently praised the film's genuine emotion and powerful symbolism.
Full cast

Joseph Mazzello
Dexter

Brad Renfro
Erik

Annabella Sciorra
Linda

Diana Scarwid
Gail

Bruce Davison
Dr. Stevens

Nicky Katt
Pony

Aeryk Egan
Tyler

Renée Humphrey
Angle

Peter Moore
Male Nurse

John Carroll Lynch
Skipper #1

John Beasley
Skipper #2

Jeremy Howard
Tyler's Buddy #2
T. Mychael Rambo
Garbageman #1
David Alan Smith
Garbageman #2
Laurie A. Sinclair
Cheryl

Mary McCusker
Nurse Murphy

Shirley Venard
Nurse Snyder
Crew
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