Freeheld

Julianne Moore plays the cancer-stricken police officer who must fight on a second front to secure the transfer of her pension to her partner (Ellen Page).

This moving true story conveys the human drama at the heart of a key LGBT rights issue. When New Jersey police lieutenant Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore) is diagnosed with terminal cancer she faces an unexpected battle on a second front – to fight a group of pension freeholders to ensure her pension benefits are transferred to her longstanding legal partner Stacie (Ellen Page) in the event of her death.

Deftly directed by Peter Sollett (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist), adapted from Cynthia Wade’s 2007 documentary of the same name, Freeheld combines its taut legal drama with a poignant story of unfaltering devotion. Outstanding performances from its ever-dependable female leads are supported by strong turns from Michael Shannon as Laurel’s stoic partner-on-the-force and Steve Carell as a flamboyant campaigner.