Coming on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage equality is a noticeable increase in the amount of LGBT stories in mainstream entertainment. First “Fun Home” takes top honors at the Tony Awards, then film awards season frontrunners “Carol” and “Grandma” feature more strong and complicated lesbian characters. Joining Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, and Lily Tomlin in the awards race is Oscar nominee Ellen Page and last year’s leading actress Oscar winner Julianne Moore in what look to be two of the most powerful performances of the season.
“Freeheld,” based on the real-life story of Ocean County cop Laurel Hester, is screenwriter Ron Nyswaner’s adaptation of the Oscar-winning, Cynthia Wade-directed 2007 documentary of the same name. Helmed by Peter Sollett, the film centers on Hester’s terminal cancer diagnosis and subsequent fight to have her pension benefits transferred to her domestic partner Stacie Andree. Page, who came out publicly in 2014, has been attached to the project for years as both producer and actor. She and Moore seem to have no problem forcing audiences to reach for the tissues, as the trailer below makes clear. Take note, awards season mavens.
“Freeheld” gets its wide release Oct. 16—don’t miss it.
Inspired by this post? Check out our film audition listings!
