Freeheld – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Freeheld

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2015

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

True story of a dying cop fighting for her partner's pension—important message, forgettable movie.

50%

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Freeheld

movie

PG-13, 2015

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

True story of a dying cop fighting for her partner's pension—important message, forgettable movie.

50%

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Screenwise Verdict

Freeheld tells an undeniably important story about a real couple's fight for equality in 2005 New Jersey, and the subject matter alone gives it value for teens learning about recent LGBTQ+ civil rights history.

But here's the thing: a 50% critic score, 54% audience score, and 6.6 on IMDb tell you everything you need to know about the execution. This is a well-intentioned but forgettable drama that feels more like a Lifetime movie than compelling cinema. The story deserves better filmmaking.

If your teen is genuinely interested in LGBTQ+ history or civil rights activism, it's worth watching once. But don't expect anyone to be entertained—this is vegetables, not dessert. The 2007 documentary short (also called Freeheld) that won an Oscar is probably more powerful and takes less time.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14+ who are interested in LGBTQ+ history and civil rights. The mature themes (terminal illness, death, discrimination) require emotional readiness, but there's nothing graphic. Honestly though, the mediocre execution means even interested teens might find it a bit of a slog—it's more 'important' than 'engaging.'

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models a committed, loving relationship and the fight for dignity and equal rights. Shows courage, perseverance, and community support in the face of injustice. The emotional tone is mature and grounded, dealing with terminal illness and discrimination with sincerity rather than melodrama. However, the heavy subject matter (death, systemic discrimination) means it's not light viewing.

Imaginative

This is a straightforward biographical drama based on true events. It follows a conventional narrative structure without creative flourishes or visual innovation. The 50% critic score and lukewarm audience reception (54% RT, 6.6 IMDb) suggest it's competently made but unremarkable—a 'prestige drama by numbers' approach that doesn't invite creative thinking or spark curiosity beyond the social justice issue at its core.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, which is appropriate given the mature themes: terminal cancer diagnosis, death, systemic discrimination, and the emotional weight of fighting bureaucracy while dying. No graphic content, violence, or sexual content expected in this type of drama, but the subject matter is emotionally heavy and deals with loss. Parents should be prepared for conversations about death, injustice, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Enriching

Tells an important true story about the fight for domestic partnership benefits and LGBTQ+ equality in the early 2000s. Offers historical perspective on recent civil rights struggles and models standing up for what's right. Can spark meaningful conversations about justice, discrimination, and activism. However, the mediocre critical reception (50% critics, 50 Metacritic) suggests the execution is pedestrian—it's educational but not particularly compelling cinema.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Real-life civil rights story that shows recent LGBTQ+ history and the fight for domestic partnership benefits
Models courage, perseverance, and standing up against injustice in the face of bureaucratic discrimination
Can open conversations about equality, systemic discrimination, and how ordinary people create change
Shows a loving, committed relationship without sensationalism—just two people fighting for basic dignity

⚠

What to Watch For

Heavy emotional content: terminal cancer diagnosis, death, and the stress of fighting discrimination while dying
The 50% critic score isn't lying—this is competent but uninspired filmmaking that feels more like an afterschool special than compelling cinema
May feel dated even though it's only from 2015; the pacing and execution are conventional to a fault

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the county board initially refused to give Laurel's pension to Stacie? What changed their minds?"
"This happened in 2005—what's changed since then for same-sex couples? What still needs to change?"
"How would you feel if you had to fight the government for something that should be automatic, while also dealing with a serious illness?"
"The movie shows how ordinary people and community pressure can change unjust policies. Can you think of other examples of this?"

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