HBO are ready to present their brand new TV film, The Normal Heart, which will be making its way onto small screens in late May. Based on Larry Kramer's eighties-set play of the same name, the plot has been built upon by Glee's Ryan Murphy: "I worked with Larry on the script for three years. We broke it out to 40- to 45 percent new material, and it's pretty broken out from the play," he told THR.

Mark Ruffalo

Starring Mark Ruffalo and Matt Bomer in the lead roles, The Normal Heart is a love story framed by the horrors of the AIDS epidemic and America's sexual politics and gay attitudes at the time. The drama also stars Julia Roberts, Taylor Kitsch and Jim Parsons and follows gay activists and medical professionals in New York City as they try to unravel the AIDS crisis.

Watch The 'The Normal Heart' Teaser Trailer:

Ruffalo takes centre-stage as Ned Weeks, a gay activist and writer who fronts a prominent HIV advocacy group whilst trying to persuade his closeted lover Felix (Bomer) to come out as openly gay. Roberts plays Dr. Emma Brookner, who is also trying to get a city in denial to take note of the disease; we hear her telling a room of gay men that they'll all infect each other. Parsons portrays gay activist Tommy Boatwright, reprising his role from the 2011 Broadway revival.

Matt Bomer
Matt Bomer Plays AIDS Victim Felix Turner In 'The Normal Heart.'

The Tony-winning play looks to have translated well to the screen, retaining its emotionally taut sequences and feeling of despair: "I am trying to understand why nobody gives a s**t that we're dying!" we hear Ruffalo shout at the end of the trailer. We see Ned and Felix share in intimate moments as they try to seek solace in a world being turned upside down.

HBO has enjoyed success with its many television films, most notably last year's storming Liberace biopic, Behind The Candelabra. The Normal Heart will premiere on Sunday 25th May at 9pm/8c on HBO.