Secreto e Proibido

"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.

Yes, these incredible women had to defy the odds in their time of age when society was so against them and their community. They are so incredibly strong and influential for doing that. But the story is ultimately about the love that two people share for each other despite anything else. I was so incredibly touched by this story because at the end of the day when you're old and grey the only thing that matters most in life is that you shared it with the person that makes you happy and your family. This documentary perfectly conveys that.

I'm a 30 year old, cigar smoking, fully tattooed guy. I never cry. I cried through this documentary. Not because it was all romantic. But because it was so real. I was moved by the honesty in this documentary. It was about forbidden love, but also about letting go. Just one little remark was that Pat was maybe slightly portrayed as someone who wasn't always honest and authentic. I just saw a woman who always was used to be in control and was maybe jealous about the intense bond Terry had with her family. But you could tell she loved Terry with all her heart. She clearly had trouble with letting go of the control. I believe Terry knew this. God, thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I do hope the family is still in touch with Pat and still taking care of her.

Amazing Story. Good work Netflix. The say goes, 'There is no crying in baseball', but that certainly doesn't count while watching this very moving story. Very powerful and touching story of devotion and love. The poems Pat wrote to Terry are so moving, not a dry eye in the room.

I've read a lot of books, but I've never read a story about a woman falling in love with another woman. I hope you feel the same way. It's one of the most beautiful notes Pat ever wrote to me