Chris Bolan’s A Secret Love is an Archive of Cherished Memories
Netflix original film looks back on the long lasting relationship of two women and their coming out story later in life.
By Eliana Flores-Barber
(Completed February 22, 2021)
The 1940’s United States, simply put, presented a nightmarish environment for same sex couples. Establishments accused of being welcoming to gay individuals were constantly raided. Women weren't allowed to dress in clothing which resembled male attire as they were to be elegant and presentable at all times. Public announcements broadcast through media stations promising those who were caught in same sex relations would be in a living hell. Fear presided over the LGBTQ community as they sought different ways to secretly live their romantic lives. Amidst the chaos of society, was Terry Donahue and future partner Pat Henschel who met in 1947. During this time, Donahue played for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League-which inspired the well known film A League of Their Own. Their forbidden romance evolved into a nearly 70 year love story which is recorded in the Netflix original documentary A Secret Love.
The tear jerking film, directed by Chris Bolan, chronicles their beautiful yet bittersweet relationship over the course of 4 years as the pair, later in life, come out to their family. Being the great nephew of the couple, Bolans relationship allows him to take a more intimate and personal approach to the documentary. He captures a wealth of archival nostalgia- never before seen photographs, hidden love letters, and heartwarming home videos of the couple in their youth- while also undoing the homophobic ideas of the society his great aunts once lived through and gives them the family support they were once so fearful about not obtaining.
A Secret Love opens with Donahue's family gently encouraging the couple to move back to Canada, where they are originally from, as serious health concerns arise. The central conflict begins with the thought of leaving their home in Illinois. Donahue, the one more accepting of the move, struggles with Henschel who becomes increasingly resistant each time the topic of moving comes up. After years of building a safe home for the two of them, Henschel feels as though she will lose the freedom she fought so much for- a sentiment many can respect.
The film itself feels like a sentimental home movie with upclose filming placing one directly into the scenes. During an argument between Henschel and Donahue’s niece, Diana, one truly feels part of the film as the video camera is placed on the table jumping back and forth between the two. Right in the middle of their discourse, Donahue makes eye contact with the camera as though asking for help.
While awaiting for the couple to share their relationship with their family, one can only hope for their gracious support. Bolan perfectly captures the anxiety, stress, and worry Donahue and Henschel feel by being with them the days leading up to the conversation with their family. The complex emotions showcased in the film surely capture one’s emotional attention.
As a whole, the careful details end up fully rounding out the theme of the film. A “secret love” appears in more than just the title, it is included in the wisely chosen soundtrack which incorporates Doris Day’s Academy Award winning song “Secret Love” played during the opening credits. The song which states “My secret love’s no secret anymore,” truly holds importance for Donahue and Henschel as they make their relationship public. Towards the end of the film, as the couple is packing up their belongings with the help of Diana, they come across love letters Henschel wrote for her loving partner Donahue in the early stages of their relationship. It is the classic love scene of turning around and running back into the arms of your love that can be felt while viewing this film. Bolans ability to document the tender moments shared between the couple reaches beyond his characters- it awakens emotions within one's own heart.
Unlike many of the popular fiction LGBTQ+ films, which focus on younger characters, this documentary- along with Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement (2009) and The Out List (2013)- focus on older generations, the obstacles society has put in front of them, and their personal achievements. Inspiring LGBTQ+ stories are slowly getting the recognition they deserve throughout the past years, however, a great deal of stories still remain untold.
A Secret Love storyline focuses on the heartbreaking realities of society towards the LGBTQ+ community and how even with changing times, the fears they experienced in their youth continued to affect them into their adulthood. It tells a story of family, friendship, change, acceptance, and intertwined in it all is the everlasting love of Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel.
With the help of producer Ryan Murphy, who has made many popular television shows such as Glee and American Horror Story, this film will surely capture the heart and be added to one's favorites.