Rent 2005

The curtain rises on a vibrant tapestry of lives, set against the backdrop of a city in turmoil. The film bursts into being with an energetic ensemble cast belting out the poignant anthem “Seasons of Love,” their voices intertwining like the threads of a richly woven fabric. Against this exuberant introduction, the narrative unfolds to reveal the stark realities of life’s struggles.

In a gritty portrayal of urban existence, apartment dwellers Mark and Roger, two close friends and roommates, are thrust into turmoil as they’re suddenly faced with the daunting task of paying rent, a burden previously shouldered by their landlord. The once-amicable Collins, a former roommate of Mark’s, returns from his travels only to be brutally attacked in an alleyway, leaving him for dead (“Rent”). Benny, the cunning landlord and erstwhile friend, offers Mark and Roger a sweet deal: in exchange for persuading Maureen, Mark’s ex-girlfriend, to abandon her protest, he’ll grant them rent-free reprieve once more. The stakes are high as Maureen’s performance space becomes the focal point of Benny’s plans to transform it into a cyber-cafe (“You’ll See”).

In this seedy underbelly, Angel Dumott Schunard, a charismatic AIDS-positive drag queen drummer, crosses paths with Collins, another individual living with HIV. Their chance encounter in an alleyway sparks a romantic connection between the two, foreshadowing a poignant exploration of love and mortality.

Meanwhile, Roger is consumed by grief and regret as he mourns the loss of his former girlfriend April, who took her own life after learning she was HIV-positive. His anguished soul pours out its sorrow in a heart-wrenching ballad (“One Song Glory”), a poignant expression of his desire to leave behind one lasting work before his own mortality claims him.

Just as the evening sun dips below the horizon, Mimi, a captivating nightclub dancer with a penchant for heroin, slips into Roger’s apartment, her sultry charm weaving a spell that threatens to consume them both (“Light My Candle”).

As dawn breaks, Roger and Mark are introduced to the enigmatic Angel, who dazzles them with an energetic performance that blends music and movement (“Today 4 U”). Angel then invites them to join him and Collins at a community center gathering, but Roger declines while Mark accepts, citing a prior commitment to assist Maureen with a technical issue. As Mark arrives at Maureen’s side, he’s surprised to find her accompanied by Joanne Jefferson, her new lover. The conversation turns to Maureen’s “hobby” of infidelity, prompting Mark to share his thoughts on the matter (“Tango: Maureen”). Following this revelation, Mark heads to the Life Support meeting, where he seeks permission from the group members to document their experiences for an upcoming film project. One participant shares a poignant reflection, acknowledging the challenges of embracing the unknown and finding solace in reason’s guidance (“Life Support”).

That evening, Mimi takes center stage at a nightclub, her sultry performance captivating all who listen as she longs to seize the night before her life slips away (“Out Tonight”). Her impromptu visit to Roger’s apartment is met with anger and frustration from him (“Another Day”).

The following day, Mark extends an invitation for Roger to join him at the Support group meeting, but Roger declines. However, his absence is short-lived, as he ultimately decides to attend the gathering alongside Mark, Collins, and Angel. As they make their way back to their apartments, the foursome commiserates about leaving New York behind and opening a restaurant in Santa Fe (“Santa Fe”).

After a subway ride, Mark and Roger join forces with Joanne at a pivotal protest location. En route, Collins and Angel express their love for each other through song (“I’ll Cover You”), their voices intertwining in harmony as they celebrate the beauty of human connection.

As night descends, Maureen’s defiant protest gains momentum, prompting Benny to mobilize the police in anticipation. This move proves to be a fateful mistake, as a riot ensues, further inflaming Maureen’s ire towards him. The evening at the Life Cafe serves as a makeshift gathering spot for the group, where Mark reveals that he has captured the chaos on film, and Buzzline is eager to air it. Benny offers a conciliatory apology, but an unforgiving Maureen dismisses his words with a curt “go to hell.” As the night wears on, the cast of characters shares tales of personal struggles; Benny’s regrettable revelation about the loss of his beloved dog serves as a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictable twists. The group then launches into an impassioned rendition of “La Vie Bohème,” with Roger and Mimi stealing the spotlight outside with their heartfelt duet (“I Should Tell You”). As they rejoin their friends, it becomes clear that these two have discovered a deep emotional connection, one that transcends the challenges of living with HIV. Their shared revelation is met with jubilation, as they celebrate their newfound bond amidst the festive atmosphere.

The gang’s New Year’s celebration is short-lived, however, as they find themselves locked out of their apartment and forced to rely on Angel’s resourcefulness to gain re-entry. The scene that greets them is one of desolation: all their possessions are gone. Amidst this turmoil, Joanne serves as Mark’s legal advocate, guiding him through the process of selling his footage to Buzzline and securing a lucrative deal. As negotiations with Alexi Darling unfold, Joanne witnesses Maureen’s flirtatious advances towards another woman. Outside, after a stern rebuke from Joanne, Maureen takes a bold step, proposing marriage to her partner, who accepts. The couple’s engagement party serves as the backdrop for a series of awkward encounters, including Maureen’s continued pursuit of attention from other women. As tensions mount, Joanne threatens to abandon her, prompting Maureen to lash out at what she perceives as an attempt to stifle her natural desires (“Take Me Or Leave Me”). The couple ultimately walks away from each other.

In the aftermath, Benny repossesses Roger’s and Mark’s belongings, but it emerges that Mimi has secretly met with him, softening his stance. As this news reaches Roger, he is convinced that Mimi has betrayed their trust by consorting with Benny. During the following song, Mimi succumbs to her addiction, descending into a state of despair as Angel’s health continues its downward spiral (“Without You”).

The somber mood at Angel’s funeral in a majestic cathedral is soon uplifted as Collins and the mourners come together to harmonize on the poignant reprise of “I’ll Cover You,” a song that had previously brought solace to Angel and his friend. The emotional resonance of this momentary convergence is short-lived, however, as the stage is set for a dramatic confrontation between Roger (now sans guitar) and Mimi, their troubled past relationship simmering just below the surface. As they clash with Joanne and Maureen, Roger’s frustration boils over, revealing his recent decision to sell his beloved instrument, purchase a car, and embark on a new journey to Santa Fe, a move that seems to signal his desire for distance from the painful memories of his past.

Meanwhile, Mark (now free from the constraints of his job at Buzzline) finds inspiration in the midst of heartache, pouring his emotions into the creation of his own film. Yet, even as he finds solace in this creative outlet, Roger’s return to New York after a sojourn in Santa Fe marks a turning point in the story. For Roger has come to realize that his feelings for Mimi still linger, and he hopes to rekindle their connection.

As the narrative hurtles toward its climax, Joanne and Maureen stumble upon Mimi, who has been living on the streets after leaving rehab behind. With her health failing, Mimi is mere moments from death’s door when Roger, filled with a sense of urgency, begins to sing the song he has been writing over the past year - “Your Eyes.” Mimi’s eyes flicker open, and in a moment of clarity, she recounts her encounter with Angel on the other side, where his spirit guided her toward the warmth and light.

As the curtain closes, the six friends come together once more to perform the finale, their harmonies intertwining like the threads of their complex, interconnected lives. The final frame of Mark’s documentary, “Today 4 U: Proof Positive,” presents a bittersweet image - Angel, out of drag, gazing up at the light with an air of peace and acceptance, his presence serving as a poignant reminder of the beauty that can be found in even the darkest of times.