Freeheld
A true story of love and injustice.
Overview
New Jersey car mechanic Stacie Andree and her police detective girlfriend Laurel Hester both battle to secure Hester's pension benefits after she was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released shortly after the Supreme Court's landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, "Freeheld" arrived during a period of heightened visibility and activism for LGBTQ+ rights. The film served to remind audiences of the struggles endured before this victory, focusing on the more nuanced fight for equality beyond marriage, like equal access to benefits and protections.
- Julianne Moore delivers a powerful and emotionally resonant performance as Laurel Hester.
- The film highlights the inequalities faced by same-sex couples regarding legal rights and benefits.
- The true story provides a compelling narrative of love, loss, and the fight for equality.
- Ellen Page gives a strong performance as Stacie Andree, portraying a woman fighting for her partner's rights and recognition.
Fun Facts
- The real Stacie Andree served as a consultant on the film, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.
- Originally, the story was a documentary short film that won an Academy Award in 2008.
- Ellen Page, who plays Stacie Andree, publicly came out as gay prior to filming, adding a layer of personal resonance to her performance.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"A true story of love and injustice."
Pусский
RU
Title: Всё, что у меня есть
""
Español
ES
Title: Freeheld, un amor incondicional
"Una historia real de amor y de injusticia."
Nederlands
NL
Title:
""
Türkçe
TR
Title: Aşka Özgürlük
"Aşka ve adaletsizliğe dair gerçek bir hikaye."
Dansk
DK
Title:
""
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
> Not another lesbian romance, but a fight for the equal rights!
Not long ago I saw 'Carol', thankfully it is not another that and better than that. It was based on the documentary short of the same name about a real life same sex couple who fought for the equal rights and the pension benefits, while one of them was treated for cancer. It is a great drama about fighting for justice than the romance as it states, but that part as well very impressive.
Ellen Page and Julianne Moore, both were awesome, except Moore was a bit old. By seeing them I felt being a lesbian is sweetest than straight, hetero and even gay. The first half was all about the relationship, but very decently narrated romance tale. And in the next half once Steve Carell enters the scene, the film diverted to another side of the story. All the actors were very good, including Michael Shannon.
Obviously the story was predictable and that is expected often in a biography. Because if they want to alter it, then they should pen a very cleverest script the audience never saw one like that before. I think telling a true story as it is is the point and that's what this filmmaker did. So don't complain about the storyline, just consider whether it is inspiring or worth a watch for other reasons.
For me it was almost a sentimental piece, but the second half story compromised and then I realised what this film was trying to say. Underrated film of the year for sure. Anytime I suggest it, especially for the grown ups and with a neutral mindset, because it is not all about the same sex romance, but the battle for equality in society.
8/10
Oscar Awards
Wins
DOCUMENTARY (Short Subject) - 2007
Cynthia Wade, Vanessa Roth
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar