Is Freeheld Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Freeheld is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 103 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Freeheld Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2015, Freeheld emerges as a significant entry in the Romance, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of New Jersey car mechanic Stacie Andree and her police detective girlfriend Laurel Hester both battle to secure Hester's pension benefits after she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Unlike standard genre fare, Freeheld attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Freeheld features a noteworthy lineup led by Julianne Moore . Supported by the likes of Elliot Page and Steve Carell , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Freeheld (2015) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Freeheld Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Freeheld is a Romance, Drama film that explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. New Jersey car mechanic Stacie Andree and her police detective girlfriend Laurel Hester both battle to secure Hester's pension benefits after she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Freeheld Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Freeheld resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to romance resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the romance themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Freeheld reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Freeheld?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Romance films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Freeheld Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $7.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $573.3K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Freeheld Budget
The estimated production budget for Freeheld is $7.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Freeheld
- Julianne Moore – Laurel Hester
- Elliot Page – Stacie Andree
- Steve Carell – Steven Goldstein
- Michael Shannon – Dane Wells
- Luke Grimes – Todd Belkin
Top Highlights
Julianne MooreLaurel Hester
Elliot PageStacie Andree
Steve CarellSteven Goldstein
Michael ShannonDane Wells
Luke GrimesTodd Belkin
Josh CharlesBryan Kelder
Mary BirdsongCarol Andree
Dennis BoutsikarisPat Gerry
Skipp SudduthReynolds
Jeannine KasparMargaret
Where to Watch Freeheld Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Freeheld is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Freeheld stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2015 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Freeheld movie hit or flop?
Freeheld is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Romance, Drama movies.
Is Freeheld worth watching?
Yes, Freeheld is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Romance, Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Freeheld online?
Freeheld is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Freeheld
> Not another lesbian romance, but a fight for the equal rights! Not long ago I saw 'Carol', thankfully it is not another that and better than that. It was based on the documentary short of the same name about a real life same sex couple who fought for the equal rights and the pension benefits, while one of them was treated for cancer. It is a great drama about fighting for justice than the romance as it states, but that part as well very impressive. Ellen Page and Julianne Moore, both were awesome, except Moore was a bit old. By seeing them I felt being a lesbian is sweetest than straight, hetero and even gay. The first half was all about the relationship, but very decently narrated romance tale. And in the next half once Steve Carell enters the scene, the film diverted to another side of the story. All the actors were very good, including Michael Shannon. Obviously the story was predictable and that is expected often in a biography. Because if they want to alter it, then they should pen a very cleverest script the audience never saw one like that before. I think telling a true story as it is is the point and that's what this filmmaker did. So don't complain about the storyline, just consider whether it is inspiring or worth a watch for other reasons. For me it was almost a sentimental piece, but the second half story compromised and then I realised what this film was trying to say. Underrated film of the year for sure. Anytime I suggest it, especially for the grown ups and with a neutral mindset, because it is not all about the same sex romance, but the battle for equality in society. 8/10
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
