It’s difficult to write about Freeheld without giving away any spoilers. You may already know the real life story of New Jersey police officer Laurel Hester and her partner Stacie Andree, you might have caught the 2007 documentary about them by Cynthia Wade. Or you may know something about this much anticipated film because it stars LGBT-ally Julianne Moore and out-lez Ellen Page as a couple and that pretty much set a billion queer gals hearts racing at the very idea of it.

The plot may seem like typical weepy-melodrama-triumph-over-adversity fodder: there’s a love affair against the odds, there’s illness, there’s a battle with those in power, there’s rallying around and there’s a need for a whole box of tissues (Loverboy forgot to take any. Don’t be so foolish). So far, so TV movie you might think. And don’t get us wrong, Loverboy loves a good TV movie. But Freeheld is handled with such respect, subtlety, and has a whole cast you recognize giving the most nuanced and layered performances, it doesn’t matter that you can pretty much predict the story arc and even the outcome. This is a tale that needs to be told and remembered.

Moore and Page are – of course – superb. From the tentative beginnings of their relationship, negotiating being closeted as a couple and an age/generational difference, their growing love and companionship and the tragedy and challenges that invade their lives, it is a pleasure to watch such stalwart actors working together. It shouldn’t be a novelty to see a gay actor playing a gay character in what is essentially a mainstream film about gay ‘issues’. But, sadly, it is a novelty. Page has shown that by coming out she was never in danger of damaging her career as the darling of independent movies, or of ruining chances to star in Oscar-fodder. And we will never complain about straight Julianne Moore playing gay. Because, well, she’s Julianne Moore.

A cameo by Steve Carell as ‘a big loud gay Jew’, the conservative town freeholders’ ‘worst nightmare’ is very showy. But his Steven Goldstein, head of The Garden State Equality gay activist organization is recognizable. He really wants to use Laurel to push gay marriage onto the agenda and knows that he and his allies have to be forceful and in your face to do so. But he’s very likable with it and injects a delicate humour this sad film really needs. Now, please could you pass Loverboy a tissue? There’s something in our eye.

Freeheld is in UK cinemas from 19th February