Freeholders are the officials who run the New Jersey locality that refused to allow a decorated detective (Julianne Moore) to pass her pension benefits to her domestic partner (Ellen Page). The couple meets cute and ends up buying a house, but cancer cuts short their happy relationship and results in the conflict with the county. Like most movies about social injustice, there’s plenty of outrage at their plight (albeit mild in this case) and the inevitable brave stands required by others (again, lacking fervor). Moore keeps a lid on her portrayal, letting Page be the sweet center of this movie. Her performance is truly touching. The film unfolds effectively (although it could have ended earlier), but the direction is rather bland. It doesn’t develop the dramatic punch that would have driven home the emotional impact of the film’s message. (Criterion Cinema only)
(3.5 / 5)