14 DAY TRIAL // Julianne Moore is following up her flawless performance in “Still Alice” with another challenging and heartbreaking role, this time that of gay activist Laurel Hester, who died of lung cancer in 2006. The film is called “Freeheld,” and it just got a first official trailer.
Ellen Page stars as Stacie Andree, Hester’s real-life lover, who was with her until her final moment. Michael Shannon and Steve Carrell will also be appearing, with the former playing Hester’s partner and determined ally in her fight for same-sex rights.
Hester was a New Jersey cop, and when she was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer, she decided to fight so that her civil partner Stacie got her pension and benefits, as is customary with hetero married couples.
She eventually obtained this and, in the process, became one of the leading figures in gay activism. The film will focus on this and her cancer battle, and will ultimately serve to deliver the message that “love is love.”
“Freeheld” is directed by Peter Sollett and is based on a short documentary on Hester’s life by Cynthia Wade (2007), which also earned her an Oscar. It will be out in limited release on October 2, and then get a wide outing on October 16.