This film is a rather pedestrian but highly affecting depiction of the impact of AIDS on a group of mutual friends living on the East Coast. Long Time Companion's strength lies in its sincerity and directness. Unlike the hokey Philadelphia, Long Time Companion looks at its characters dispassionately--neither blaming nor excusing the behavior which led to their contracting AIDS--and simply records their fates as they decline into the later stages of the illness and death. The concluding scene is utterly devastating and makes it well worth watching the rest of the film. Convincing performances, especially by Bruce Davison.