A Secret Love

A Secret Love is a heartfelt, deeply touching documentary that premiered in 2020 on Netflix. It shines a light in the dark corners of history, bringing to life an era submerged in prejudice and fear, while taking viewers on a tender, emotional journey that encapsulates the essence of human connection and the enduring power of love. The film uniquely stands at the crossroads of sports, LGBTQ+ history, feminism, and gerontology, utilising each facet to weave a narrative that is poignant, nuanced, and revelatory.

The movie artfully shares the extraordinary, decades-long love story of Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel. Terry Donahue, an accomplished athlete, was a player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was famously fictionalised in the 1992 film, "A League of Their Own". In A Secret Love, Terry is more than just a successful sportswoman. She, alongside her partner, Pat Henschel, exemplify the courage and resilience it takes to live authentically in a world that is not ready to accept you.

The movie begins in the present, unraveling a tale that dates back to 1947 when Terry, a Canadian, met Pat, an American, in the hockey-crazed town of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Their deep bond soon blossomed into a clandestine romance, during a time when homosexuality was not only socially unacceptable but also illegal. They lived together as 'roommates', a common arrangement for same-sex couples living incognito during the homophobic era. For over six decades, they kept the true nature of their relationship hidden from their families.

A Secret Love cleverly uses this historical backdrop to frame Terry and Pat's story, weaving archival footage, personal photographs, and firsthand narratives to create an immersive tapestry of their life. Director Chris Bolan, who is Terry Donahue's great-nephew, approaches the material with a loving tenderness, balancing the historical narrative with intimate moments that reveal the remarkable love between these two women. The film is an exploration of personal identity, feminism, and the often-unsung heroes of LGBTQ+ history.

At the same time, A Secret Love evokes universal themes that resonate beyond the LGBTQ+ community. It's a tale about commitment, the sacrifices we make for love, and the power of that love to withstand the turmoils of time. It also probes deeply into the seldom-discussed topic of aging in the gay community, depicting the unique challenges that arise when societal prejudice, family dynamics, and senior care intersect.

Diana Bolan's cinematography is forthright but tender, veering away from heightened spectacle towards slicing emotional truth. Everyday moments gain the weight of history under her gaze, transforming breakfast discussions into a canvas for insights about loss, nostalgia, affirmation, and fear. Ordinary objects like framed photos, baseball paraphernalia, and handwritten letters expand into symbols of a life lived in love and secrecy.

The documentary does not shy away from the difficulties the couple face in their old age, including health issues and the physical and emotional strain of moving into assisted living. Rather than sensationalizing these struggles, A Secret Love presents them as a vital part of Terry and Pat's narrative, asking necessary questions about age, autonomy, and the support systems available to older LGBTQ+ individuals.

A Secret Love is adorned with honesty, love, and courage, providing the human touch that will resonate with audiences no matter their gender, sexuality, age, or background. It's a rare exposition of love that has weathered decades of societal adversity, historical change, and personal tribulations. This documentary is a must-see for anyone who appreciates stories full of historical importance, human connection, and the transformative power of love.