Film Review: Freeheld

Directed by Peter Sollet. Starring Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, Michael Shannon, Steve Carrell, Josh Charles.
In terms of representing marginalised groups, telling true stories and showcasing landmark cultural moments, Freeheld ticks all the feelgood, do-gooder boxes. Julianne Moore stars as Laurel Hester, an Ocean County detective who, when diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, discovers that the county is refusing to transfer her pension benefits to her domestic partner Stacie (Ellen Page), because they’re not a straight couple. In the midst of her rapidly deteriorating health, Laurel has to fight to ensure that Stacie, 19 years Laurel’s junior, won’t be forced to suffer even more after her death.
It’s a devastating tale that feels all the more important given the recent same-sex marriage rulings in both Ireland and the US. Moore shows her vulnerability again after her Oscar-winning role in Still Alice, and her shrinking frame, shaved head and rasping voice are painful and raw to behold. Meanwhile Page, a passionate advocate of LGBT rights herself, is deeply empathetic in her role, capturing both the struggle and determination of a woman more assured than Laurel, but also shaken by events far beyond her control. Michael Shannon, meanwhile, is scene-stealing as Laurel’s co-worker, whose deep love and respect for her transforms him into her most affecting ally.
But in the quest to make An Important Film, director Peter Sollet (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Raising Victor Vargas) has produced Teachable Moments instead of complexity or authentic emotion. There’s oddly little that allows the audience to truly invest in these characters as as real people who went through an horrific ordeal. Instead they remain largely devoid of individuality beyond their orientation, reduced merely to Movie Lesbians Facing Oppression. Supporting characters also become tropes, with the the opposing boardbeing portrayed as one-dimensional, fusty villains. In addition, Steve Carrell makes a wildly misjudged appearance as a flamboyant LGBT activist.
A film that shows the chasm between worthy and watchable.

In cinemas now.