The movie is entirely clear about their compassion and commitment as parents, so much so that their legal battle has the Philadelphia problem of being an almost unimpeachable liberal crusade. What’s stacked against them is the whole system from a less tolerant era, and their arguments keep falling on deaf ears.
Redeeming Fine’s film from telemovie obviousness is the same thing that surely motivated it: what the actors, all three of them, make of their roles. Cumming’s emotive playing sharply blends wit, outrage and a stoic dignity. He’s matched every step of the way by the typically superb Dillahunt (Winter’s Bone), whose more closeted part lets him play abashed and apprehensive – he’s not yet confident enough in himself to stand up for a principle. Leyva is heartbreaking; their combined efforts carry the day.