The affecting drama “Freeheld” opens Oct. 9 at the Ritz Five. The film is based on the true story (and Oscar-winning short documentary) about Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore), a dedicated detective in Seaside Heights, N.J., who must fight for justice when her legal domestic partner, Stacie (Ellen Page), is denied pension benefits after Laurel developed terminal cancer. Although domestic partnerships were legal in the state at the time, the Freeholders of Ocean County had the power to determine the pension benefits for state employees in legal same-sex partnerships. Their refusal to grant Laurel’s earned pension benefits to Stacie would likely force Stacie out of her house.
The film, written by Ron Nyswaner (“Philadelphia”) and directed by Peter Sollett (“Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist”), chronicles how Laurel and Stacie reluctantly but emphatically challenged this decision. They enlist the help of Steven Goldstein (Steve Carell), then the executive director of Garden State Equality. In addition, Laurel’s partner on the force, Dane Wells (Michael Shannon), a straight ally, also helps mobilize the fight for equality within the precinct.
While it may not be a surprise how the story turns out, “Freeheld” generates its greatest emotional power not in the fight for equality but in the intimate moments between Laurel and Stacie — on a date or setting up their house together — and Moore and Page are incredibly endearing as a couple.
The openly gay Page, who plays Stacie as a tough but tender-hearted partner, spoke to PGN about making her passion project, “Freeheld.”
PGN: You have a producer credit on the film. Why was this story important to be told, and told now?
EP: I attached myself to this film when I was 21, so it’s been a long time. I was involved pre-screenplay, pre-director, pre-Julianne. I think the film is important now because while the Supreme Court decision is amazing and unbelievable and the progress is astonishing, there is so much more work to do for true equality. In many civil-rights movements, there is always some backlash. I think this film shows why that recent decision is so important. “Freeheld” tells the story in the macro and micro perspectives — how inequality makes people feel: We’re not going to value your love, you are less than us. And the couple’s socio-economic situation has the real impact — especially when we talk about equality in the large political sense. And to convey what that decision means and what discrimination does is to make people feel that they are validated and that their love is — and it is — being respected.
PGN: What emotional buttons does the story press for you and why?
EP: I think I have a similar response to what it means to be together in a relationship that’s closeted. It was exciting to explore that in a slightly more layered way. This wasn’t just a fight about coming out. It is about, why do we have to live and compromise our love and relationships? I found that in my personal experience. I think telling this story is important because Stacie and Laurel did something crucial in a time of unimaginable difficulty and I wanted to be a part of telling their story.
PGN: You tend to play tough, determined women, but in “Freeheld,” your character is more passive. How did you approach this character?
EP: Stacie is a very shy person. You get to know her and she’s incredibly funny and deeply, deeply sensitive. But she’s very quiet. Her journey is powerful. She did not want to invest in the activism at first. Doing so would acknowledge that her lover is going to die. She was doing her job, navigating the insurance companies and activism. So she didn’t have an opportunity to be vulnerable.
PGN: What sparked with you about Stacie in your meeting?
EP: When I met Stacie, the thing that was most evident is her desire to tell this love story and make that the emotional through line: her complete and utter dedication to Laurel; to do what she thought Laurel would want. Having the visceral experience of meeting her, and sitting with her and hearing her talk about Laurel, and take me to the spot where Laurel got coffee or where she works … There was something about spending that time with her and connect emotionally and understand that experience in a deeper way.
PGN: How did you personally relate to Stacie? Are you into volleyball, motorcycles and older women? Are you a good dancer, can you rotate tires in under eight minutes and are you good with dry wall?
EP: I’m horrible at all things like that. I wish I had more hands-on skills, but I don’t. Motorcycles kind of scare me. Older women are super hot, though. Stacie and I don’t have that much in common. That said, I’d be delighted to have the opportunity to learn some of those skills.
PGN: How did you develop your on-screen relationship with Julianne Moore?
EP: That was fun. What Julianne and I had going for us is we just connected really quickly. I don’t know if she was trying to make me feel more comfortable, but she was all-physical, putting her leg and arm around me. We got rid of physical barriers right away, and all the barriers were gone after that. She’s extraordinary, fun and goofy and I felt protected by her. We became close and still remain close. We really did form a partnership on screen and off screen too. I was excited to see her every day. We had our own special bond.
PGN: Laurel has to live a double/secret life. You had a secret life for a while, too. What can you say about that experience and your decision to come out?
EP: It was the best decision I ever made, wish I had made it sooner. But I had to go on whatever journey I went on. Some people have a risk of being thrown in jail or killed for being gay. For me, being closeted was an incredibly sad and toxic experience, and it got to a point where I was done living like that. It created a ripple effect of happiness in every aspect of my life. Being closeted does affect every aspect of who you are. There are people in the community who are far more vulnerable than me. I want to help them.
PGN: What do you think “Freeheld” says about gay and lesbian stereotypes? The women are in traditional male roles, while Steven Goldstein is very flamboyant.
EP: The film is a true story. In regards to Stacie and Laurel, we did our best with the info we had — pictures, costumes, etc., to tell the story as authentically as possible. I understand you see [Steven] as a stereotype of a gay man, but that’s the benefit of having the closeted cop in the police office in the film. His coming-out is moving. Steve Carell is playing Steven Goldstein a little quieter than he is in real life — and Goldstein is an amazing, passionate man.
PGN: The film is very much about Laurel and Stacie’s dignity, and giving visibility to marginalized people who become citizen-activists. What prompts you to speak up and out?
EP: For me, I’m living my life. I was closeted because of my job. I’m not any more. My goals and intentions are positive. I’m doing this show [on Vice] called “Gaycation,” where I explore the LGBT communities and issues and difficulties in different countries. It hopefully will create a larger conversation about LGBT communities around the world. I want to talk about more experiences. Trans women of color have a life expectancy of 35, and 40 percent of homeless youth are LGBT. Those are troublesome statistics. I want to do what I can to talk about these issues and bring them to the forefront and give visibility to those who are vulnerable.
PGN: The film is about creating a legacy. What do you want your legacy to be?
EP: I feel really fortunate that I can be out. I thought it wouldn’t be a possibility for me to be out and walk down the red carpet with my girlfriend. Knowing that there are people who don’t have that privilege and luck is to be mindful and conscious of my situation and do what I can with it.