FREEHELD REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Julianne Moore and Ellen Page both give powerful performances in this heartbreaking drama. Moore plays New Jersey lieutenant, Laurel Hester and Page is her girlfriend, Stacie Andree. Despite being in love, the two have to hide away their relationship due to the prejudice against homosexuals. Stacie wants to be open about their relationship but Laurel, being in the police force, is worried that it'll affect her job and refers to Stacie as a 'friend' or her 'sister'. This upsets Stacie as we cut to her reaction but, unfortunately, there's nothing she can do. And things only get worse when Lauren is diagnosed with terminal cancer and the couple must fight to ensure that her pension rights go to Stacie.

I'm not a homosexual so I had no idea what they had to endure during the dark times when being openly gay was discriminated against. In the beginning of the film, we see that Laurel is good at her job and meets Stacie at a volleyball game. The two fall for each other immediately and go straight into a relationship. This is what made me want them to succeed. I saw their passion and love for each other. Despite this only being 99 minutes long, it doesn't feel rushed. We know they're in love so we don't need to spend a lot of time on their relationship. The majority of the film is spent on the couple trying to fight for their rights to claim benefits.

Moore gives another outstanding performance as Laurel. In the beginning of the film, we see her as a hardworking lieutenant and throughout, we see her maturing and accepting herself for who she is. After she discovers she has cancer and must fight to get benefits for Stacie, she becomes more and more determined. Page, who recently came out in 2014, is perfect as Stacie who, along with Laurel, fights for the rights. The two have great chemistry.

This film shows both the highs and lows of Laurel and Stacie's relationship and is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

If you don't mind a tear-jerking drama, I'd definitely recommend this film.

8/10