Watch Pedro

Pedro is a heartwarming biopic drama about the life of Pedro Zamora, an openly gay Cuban-American AIDS activist who rose to fame during the early '90s as a cast member on the third season of the groundbreaking reality show, The Real World. Directed by Nick Oceano and written by Dustin Lance Black, Pedro stars Alex Loynaz as Pedro Zamora, Justina Machado as his sister Mily Zamora, and Hale Appleman as his partner, Sean Sasser. The film premiered on the 20th anniversary of Pedro Zamora's death, which was caused by AIDS-related complications in 1994, at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2008.

The film opens with a black-and-white montage of news clips and photos that capture the bleak and confusing landscape of the AIDS epidemic during the late '80s and early '90s, when Pedro was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 17. The scene sets the tone for the film, which tackles serious themes like homophobia, discrimination, illness, and death with sensitivity, honesty, and humor. The narrative then shifts to Miami, where Pedro lives with his family and dreams of making a difference in the world. He is a bright, ambitious, and fearless young man who refuses to let his diagnosis define him or limit his potential. Instead, he decides to use his voice and platform to educate, advocate, and unify people affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Real World becomes an unexpected and life-changing opportunity for Pedro. He auditioned for the show in 1993 and was chosen to be one of the seven roommates who lived together in San Francisco for several months. Pedro's presence on the show is groundbreaking in many ways. He is the first person living with HIV to be shown on a national television program. He is also the first openly gay character on the show, and one of the first openly gay men to be portrayed on TV in a positive and complex light. Pedro's sexuality is not treated as a gimmick or a stereotype; rather, it is a natural part of his personality and identity that informs his relationships, his activism, and his philosophy of life. Pedro becomes a role model for many young people who are struggling with their own sexual orientation or HIV status.

The film does an excellent job of balancing the personal and the political aspects of Pedro's journey. While the scenes featuring Pedro on The Real World are fun and nostalgic, they also reveal the harsh reality of the public scrutiny and backlash that Pedro faced from some viewers and fellow cast members. Pedro's HIV status becomes a source of controversy and conflict, as some people accuse him of using his illness to gain sympathy or attention, or of being a danger to others. Pedro remains firm in his conviction that HIV is not a death sentence, and that education and compassion are the key to ending the epidemic. He also opens up about his own struggles with depression, discrimination, and stigma.

Outside of the show, Pedro's personal life becomes more complicated and painful. His sister Mily is diagnosed with cancer, and Pedro has to juggle his own health issues with the demands of being a caregiver and a mediator. His relationship with Sean is tested by the long-distance and the jealousy of other cast members. Pedro also becomes more involved in activism and advocacy work, giving speeches, participating in rallies, and meeting with politicians and celebrities. He becomes a spokesperson for the newly formed group, AIDS Action Now, and travels to Washington DC to give a historic speech at the National Youth Summit on AIDS in front of President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. The climax of the film is a heart-wrenching scene where Pedro shares his personal story with a group of high school students in Miami, who respond with tears, hugs, and a standing ovation.

The performances in the film are outstanding, especially by Alex Loynaz, who captures the charisma, vulnerability, and courage of Pedro Zamora with nuance and depth. His scenes with Justina Machado are touching and realistic, depicting the complex sibling dynamic of love, rivalry, and support. Hale Appleman also shines as Sean Sasser, portraying him as a caring and creative partner who shares Pedro's vision and values. The supporting cast is also noteworthy, with cameos by Rosie O'Donnell, Judd Winick, and Rachel True.

Overall, Pedro is a powerful and inspiring film that honors the legacy of a remarkable man who made a difference in the world through his activism, his art, and his friendship. The film is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope and beauty to be found, and that love and compassion are the weapons that can defeat fear and hate.