15 Best Hidden Gem Movies Of 2017
4. BPM (Beats Per Minute)
Inspired by writer-director Robin Campillo and co-writer Philippe Mangeot’s own experiences with AIDS advocacy group ACT UP, BPM (Beats per Minute) is set in France during the early 90s and follows a group of activists fighting to get the French government and pharmaceutical companies to support HIV and AIDS sufferers.
Mixing the personal with the political, the film focuses not only on the activities of Parisian activists during a pivotal point in history but also on the relationship that blossoms between HIV-negative ACT UP newcomer Nathan (Arnaud Valois) and HIV-positive ACT UP radical Sean (Nahuel Perez Biscayart) as the latter’s condition worsens against a backdrop of rallies, raves and impassioned inter-group debates.
Though BPM (Beats per Minute) got a lot of recognition in its homeland where it scooped four awards including the Grand Prix at Cannes and is currently nominated for 13 César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars), its selection as France’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award was snubbed when it came to compiling the nomination shortlist.
Nevertheless, it’s a film that’s inspiring and heart-breaking in equal measure and another solid 2017 addition to LGBT cinema alongside fellow hidden gems Beach Rats and A Fantastic Woman.