"You kind of broke the rules your whole life."
"Yes, I have," Terry replies. "That's why I'm happy."
A Secret Love is a documentary about the love of two women--Pat and Terry--that started in 1947 and continues to this day, regardless of the limited time mortality gave them. It gives backstory for both these remarkable women, and it also delves into the history of prejudice in regards to LGBT couples (one example being bar raids which were efforts to apprehend possible LGBT people by judging their attire). The documentary is filmed in the late 2010s, covering the end-of-life plans of the couple and giving us their history along the way.
Pat and Terry's story is beautiful, as is the love their most open-minded family members give them as they grow comfortable with coming out completely in an era where it's acceptable. A Secret Love should also be commended for its focus on the heart-breaking reality that all lives must come to an end, and we must adequately prepare for that. The couple's move from their own home to assisted living is documented here, as is the crushing decision to go through all their belongings and decide how to part with them.
A Secret Love isn't a comprehensive documentary on the history of LGBT prejudice in America, but it is a personal and intimate look at two amazing women who had to hide who they truly were most of their lives in order to be happy. At times heart-breaking but always beautiful, A Secret Love at least promises a happy ending to seven decades of dedicated love between these two. If you have any interest in true love stories or LGBT history in America, A Secret Love is worth your time.
