Freeheld Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop gets the big C and fights city hall to give her pension to her girlfriend, proving love conquers all, including paperwork.

🍿 Freeheld: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Laurel and Stacie’s Budding Romance

Laurel Hester, a seasoned New Jersey police detective, leads a discreet personal life. While playing volleyball, she meets Stacie Andree, a younger, openly lesbian mechanic. Despite their age difference, they form a connection, leading to a committed relationship. Laurel is initially hesitant to be open about her relationship due to concerns about her career.

Diagnosis and Pension Battle

Their life together takes a devastating turn when Laurel is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Knowing her time is limited, she wants to secure Stacie’s future by leaving her pension benefits to her. However, local county officials, known as Freeholders, deny her request because they are not a legally married couple, citing the sanctity of marriage and financial concerns. This sets off a legal and emotional battle for equality.

Activism and Public Pressure

Laurel’s situation gains public attention, drawing in activist Steven Goldstein, who sees the case as an opportunity to fight for same-sex marriage rights. With the help of Dane Wells, Laurel’s police partner, they organize protests and rallies to pressure the Freeholders to reconsider. Laurel, weakened by her illness, becomes a reluctant symbol of the fight for equality.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore): A closeted New Jersey police lieutenant who fights for her pension benefits to be given to her partner after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
• Stacie Andree (Elliot Page): Laurel’s younger domestic partner, a car mechanic, who fights alongside her to secure pension benefits.
• Dane Wells (Michael Shannon): Laurel’s initially conflicted but ultimately supportive police partner who aids in her fight for equality.
• Steven Goldstein (Steve Carell): A flamboyant gay rights activist who helps Laurel and Stacie in their fight for pension equality.
• Bryan Kelder (Josh Charles): One of the Freeholders for Ocean County.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Laurel Hester: “I’ve never asked for special treatment. I’m only asking for equality.” – Laurel states her simple desire during the fight for her pension benefits, emphasizing the core issue of equal rights.
• Steven Goldstein: “This is an outrageous miscarriage of justice.” – Steven expresses his outrage at the initial denial of Laurel’s pension benefits.
• Dane Wells: “Radicals and strangers from New York aren’t going to convince these guys.” – Dane expresses skepticism about Steven’s approach, highlighting the tension between local and outside activism.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $546,201
• Worldwide Gross: $1,447,337

💥 Freeheld Reviews

Personal Review

As a movie fan, I was deeply moved by ‘Freeheld.’ Julianne Moore’s portrayal of Laurel’s strength and vulnerability was captivating. I felt every moment of her struggle, and Ellen Page delivered a sincere performance as Stacie. What made the film special for me was seeing the bond between them, and how it fueled their fight for equality. The courtroom scenes were gripping, and I was rooting for them until the very end.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Julianne Moore and Ellen Page”
  • “Viewers interested in LGBTQ+ rights and social justice stories”
  • “Those who enjoy emotional dramas based on true events”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of terminal illness and death”
  • “Some mature language”
  • “Themes of homophobia and discrimination”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “While competently acted, ‘Freeheld’ feels disappointingly formulaic. Moore delivers a powerful performance, but the film struggles to find its own voice amidst a sea of similar social justice dramas. The story is touching, but the execution lacks the emotional punch it deserves.
• Variety: “‘Freeheld’ boasts strong performances from Moore and Page, however, the film itself is somewhat uneven. It excels in portraying the personal relationship between Laurel and Stacie but falters when it shifts focus to the political battle, resulting in a less impactful narrative. A film with great potential that doesn’t quite reach it.
• Screen International: “A film with good intentions and strong performance but is a bit heavy-handed, sacrificing character depth for message delivery. Moore and Page deliver the emotions, but Carell, while spirited, feels like an over-the-top caricature.

Audience Reactions

The powerful performances of the lead actresses resonated with viewers.: Viewers felt that the genuine emotions were well-captured.

The depiction of same-sex love in the face of adversity was particularly touching.: Audiences appreciated the film’s message of equality and justice.

Overall Consensus: Though with some criticisms of being formulaic, Freeheld’ is generally well-received by the audience, with praise focused on its important message and strong performances from the lead actresses.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The real Stacie Andree, Dane Wells, and Steven Goldstein appear as extras in the film. Stacie is in the third Freeholder meeting, Dane as a police officer handing over a box of ashes, and Steven is in the second Freeholder meeting.”
• “Elliot Page was instrumental in getting the film made and had been attached to the project for several years before it finally went into production.”
• “The film is based on a 2007 Oscar-winning documentary short of the same name, directed by Cynthia Wade.”

🖥️ How to Watch Freeheld?

Freeheld is currently available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Freeheld, you might like these similar films:

• Philadelphia (1993): Both films deal with discrimination and legal battles faced by individuals with terminal illnesses. Philadelphia focuses on AIDS and Freeheld on cancer, but the core theme of fighting for rights remains.
• Boys Don’t Cry (1999): Based on a true story, this film explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the tragic consequences of intolerance, similar to the struggles faced by the characters in Freeheld.
• Milk (2008): Like Freeheld, Milk tells the biographical story of a gay activist, Harvey Milk, and his fight for equal rights and political representation in a hostile environment.

🛒 Freeheld Related Products

• Freeheld [Blu-ray]: A collector’s edition Blu-ray featuring behind-the-scenes content, cast interviews, and extended scenes. Perfect for fans who want to delve deeper into the story and production.
• “Freeheld: The Book”: Ebook on true story the movie is based on. An important book on a historical event.
• EQUALITY T-Shirt: High-quality cotton T-shirt featuring the tagline ‘All Love Is Equal’. A subtle yet powerful way to show your support for equal rights and social justice.
• Movie Poster Print: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, printed on archival paper, perfect for adding a touch of cinematic flair to any room. A reminder of an important film and its message.

🎧 Soundtrack

Freeheld features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Change of Season” – performed by Lindon Puffin
• “Hands of Love” – performed by Miley Cyrus

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Miley Cyrus – Hands of Love From FREEHELD

Did you love the emotional song ‘Hands of Love’ in Freeheld? Check out the full music video by Miley Cyrus and relive the film’s powerful message. Honestly, it’s so moving!

Claire Danes Doesn’t Know What “Homeland’s” Credits Mean

Ever wondered what’s going on inside Claire Danes’ head? Watch this hilarious interview where she playfully admits she doesn’t fully understand the ‘Homeland’ credits! It’s a lighthearted look at a serious actress.

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