In this 1995 drama film, two young boys, Erik and Dexter, embark on a journey down the Mississippi River from Minnesota to New Orleans in a desperate attempt to find a rumored remedy for Dexter's AIDS. What is the title of this poignant film?

The film you're thinking of is indeed "The Cure (Review)," a poignant 1995 drama that explores an unlikely friendship against the backdrop of a serious illness. This movie centers on thirteen-year-old Erik, a new arrival in a small Minnesota town, and his eleven-year-old neighbor, Dexter, who has contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion. Despite initial differences and the prejudice surrounding Dexter's condition, the two boys form a deep bond.

Their journey begins when Erik, fueled by a desire to help his friend, reads a tabloid article about a doctor in New Orleans who supposedly found an herbal cure for AIDS. Convinced this is Dexter's last hope, the boys (Review) embark on a daring adventure down the Mississippi River, reminiscent of a modern-day Huckleberry Finn tale. They face numerous challenges and unkind adults along the way, highlighting the innocence and desperation of their quest.

"The Cure" was directed by Peter Horton and stars Brad Renfro as Erik and Joseph Mazzello as Dexter (Review). While not a box office success, the film garnered praise for the powerful performances of its young leads, with both Mazzello and Renfro receiving Young Artist Award nominations. The movie aimed to combat the stigma surrounding AIDS during a time when the crisis was still heavily impacting communities, emphasizing themes of friendship, compassion, and the unwavering hope of childhood.