TIFF Movie Reviews: The Buzz on This Year's Huge Films

Ellen Page and Julianne Moore's portrayal of real-life couple Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree — who fought for the pension of dying Laurel to be given to partner Stacie — is important because their struggle is an important milestone in the fight for gay marriage. While important doesn't always make for an enjoyable film, in this case, the other elements add up to make this an emotionally satisfying film. Page and Moore's chemistry makes their relationship believable and thus heartbreaking. The performances all around are great, though the real standouts are Moore and Michael Shannon as her tough but supportive partner on the police force.