Julianne Moore & Ellen Page To Play Gay NJ Couple In New Movie

Freeheld is directed by Peter Sollett and written by Ron Nyswaner (who was nominated for an Oscar for Philadelphia). The film is based on the true story of Laurel Hester (Moore) and Stacie Andree (Page). Hester was an Ocean County police detective who wished to leave her benefits to Stacie. The county's board of Freeholders blocked her request.

With the help of an activist in the LGBT community (played by Steve Carell) and a straight colleague (Michael Shannon), Hester & Andree are thrust into the forefront of the battle to legalize gay marriage.

The movie takes place between 2002 and 2006, before gay marriage was legal in the United States.

Freeheld will be in limited release on October 2nd, expanding on October 16th.