A Secret Love is a documentary film directed by Chris Bolan that premiered on Netflix in 2020. The movie follows the story of Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel, two women who fell in love during a time when same-sex relationships were considered taboo. The movie starts with Terry and Pat being introduced as aunt and friend to a group of young women. It then flashes back to the 1940s when Terry and Pat were both young and living in their hometown of Saskatchewan, Canada. Terry was a professional baseball player for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, and Pat was a receptionist who became a talented ballroom dancer.
After the end of their respective careers, Terry and Pat moved to Chicago to start a new life together. They kept their relationship a secret from their families for over 60 years, pretending to be roommates and lifelong friends instead.
The documentary explores the sacrifices Terry and Pat made to keep their love hidden and the challenges they faced as a couple living in a society that didn't accept same-sex relationships. Along the way, the movie also delves into the social movements and political changes that have occurred over the years to make it easier for people in the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves.
Throughout the movie, we see the deep love and affection Terry and Pat have for each other. They share a home filled with memories, including photographs and souvenirs from their travels around the world. The film is a tribute to the power of love and the courage of two women who fought to be together in a world that didn't understand their bond.
One of the most moving parts of the film is the scene where Terry introduces Pat to her family for the first time, telling them that Pat is not just a roommate, but her partner. Terry's family members are confused at first, but eventually come around to accept their relationship. This moment represents a turning point for the couple, as it marks the first time they can be open about their love without fear of judgment.
The movie also explores Terry's struggles with aging and health issues, and their decision to move into a retirement home. Through it all, Terry and Pat's love remains steadfast and strong, and their commitment to each other is unwavering.
A Secret Love is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and to the power of love. It celebrates the lives of two women who dared to love against all odds and who never let society dictate the course of their lives. The film is an emotional reminder of the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and the work still to be done to ensure that everyone can love and live openly and freely.
A Secret Love is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 77.