Freeheld
Romantic drama following a New Jersey police lieutenant (Julianne Moore) with terminal lung cancer, forced to go to court to have her pension benefits passed on to her same-sex partner (Ellen Page) – a right that was only given to heterosexual couples. Based on the Oscar-winning short documentary of the same name. From the screenwriter of Philadelphia and the director of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, co-starring Michael Shannon and Steve Carell.
- Director:
- Peter Sollett ('Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist')
- Writer:
- Ron Nyswaner
- Cast:
- Julianne MooreEllen PageMichael ShannonSteve CarellJosh CharlesLuke Grimes
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Paul Casserly
flicksIf ever there was a story that illustrates the crappy hand dealt to same-sex couples, it’s here in Freeheld. First brought to film via the Academy Award-winning documentary of the same name, it’s now retold in full Hollywood regalia, topped off with Steve Carell as a hyperactive gay rights activist, replete with a rainbow yarmulke.
Stupid Title but passable movie
It would be pretty hard to take this story and not make a film that would be at home on the Sunday weepie slot. Maybe NOT having two box office stars would have helped. Maybe making it a little more gritty. With actual dirty grit. But all that on one side Julinne Moore and Ellen Page turn in great performances and this is a story about culture changing in...
Variety
pressAn oppressively worthy and self-satisfied inspirational vehicle that views its story primarily as a series of teachable moments.
Time Out
pressJust because anyone would agree with its message doesn’t mean this glorified Lifetime movie does a worthy job of conveying it.
The Guardian
pressA film that should feel urgent and of its time, but instead is rendered cliched and dull by Sollet’s amateurish handling of the material.
Sydney Morning Herald
pressMoore charts Hester's physical disintegration with brutal candour while, at the same time, conjuring up the indomitability of somebody determined to leave a worthwhile legacy -- to her partner and to other gay couples caught in the same bind.
Rolling Stone
pressIf Freeheld cuts corners to get its point across, Moore and Page never do.
Hollywood Reporter
pressAll the conviction the actors can muster can't make this script feel less pat.
Flicks, Paul Casserly
flicksIf ever there was a story that illustrates the crappy hand dealt to same-sex couples, it’s here in Freeheld. First brought to film via the Academy Award-winning documentary of the same name, it’s now retold in full Hollywood regalia, topped off with Steve Carell as a hyperactive gay rights activist, replete with a rainbow yarmulke.
Variety
pressAn oppressively worthy and self-satisfied inspirational vehicle that views its story primarily as a series of teachable moments.
Time Out
pressJust because anyone would agree with its message doesn’t mean this glorified Lifetime movie does a worthy job of conveying it.
The Guardian
pressA film that should feel urgent and of its time, but instead is rendered cliched and dull by Sollet’s amateurish handling of the material.
Sydney Morning Herald
pressMoore charts Hester's physical disintegration with brutal candour while, at the same time, conjuring up the indomitability of somebody determined to leave a worthwhile legacy -- to her partner and to other gay couples caught in the same bind.
Rolling Stone
pressIf Freeheld cuts corners to get its point across, Moore and Page never do.
Hollywood Reporter
pressAll the conviction the actors can muster can't make this script feel less pat.
Stupid Title but passable movie
It would be pretty hard to take this story and not make a film that would be at home on the Sunday weepie slot. Maybe NOT having two box office stars would have helped. Maybe making it a little more gritty. With actual dirty grit. But all that on one side Julinne Moore and Ellen Page turn in great performances and this is a story about culture changing in...
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