Julianne Moore and Ellen Page play a lesbian couple fighting for equality in the drama “Freeheld,” based on true events. And while the crux of the story is tearjerking, costar Steve Carell says there's inspiration to be found.

"It’s heartbreaking, but at the same time it’s very uplifting and very life-affirming because it’s true," Carell tells Ellen DeGeneres on her talk show on Tuesday. "Ya know, it’s just about people who love each other that’s really the long and the short of it. And I think it’s a very kind movie that way."

The gay-rights film chronicles the fight of New Jersey detective Laurel Hester, played by Moore, who after 25 years of service to her community is diagnosed with terminal cancer and battles public officials for the right to have her pension benefits left to her domestic partner Stacie Andree, played by Page.

Carell takes on the role of their lawyer Steven Goldstein.

"These are real people," the Oscar-nominated actor says, "and he was the attorney who got behind their dilemma and their case. And he was there--he was there a lot of the time on the set."

Watch the trailer below.

https://youtu.be/-N-NTx46K_g