In the realm of queer storytelling, Netflix’s documentary “A Secret Love” initially sparked my interest as a queer woman in a relationship with another woman. The film chronicles the lives of two women, Morgan and Lisa, who began their journey together in the late 1940s. Their enduring partnership spans over 70 years, marked by secrecy due to societal prejudices against LGBTQ+ relationships. However, as I delved deeper into the documentary, I found myself grappling with a sense of unease, a sentiment echoed by many viewers.
Produced by Lisa’s family in collaboration with filmmaker Ryan Murphy, the documentary is directed by Lisa’s great-nephew, Mark, which adds a layer of complexity to its narrative. I only discovered this connection after watching, and it illuminated some of my discomfort regarding the storytelling approach.
Morgan and Lisa’s love story began during the off-season of a women’s baseball league, where they met while playing hockey. Their immediate attraction blossomed despite societal expectations, including engagements to men. They maintained their relationship in secrecy for decades, a testament to their unwavering commitment amidst adversity. Yet, the focus of the documentary often shifts away from their romantic journey to address the challenges of aging and the decision to sell their long-time home. While these elements are undoubtedly significant, they seem misplaced in a documentary framed as a love story.
A pivotal moment occurs when Morgan expresses her willingness to prioritize Lisa’s happiness, even if it requires leaving behind the city they have cherished for 70 years. Her reluctance to move, initially attributed to concerns about the weather, hints at deeper emotional ties to their shared history. “Everyone loves Lisa,” Morgan wisely states, underscoring the complexities of their relationship with family dynamics.
One of the most troubling aspects of the documentary is the portrayal of Morgan as a villain. Lisa’s niece, Sarah, frequently suggests that Morgan has never truly accepted the family and claims that she keeps Lisa away from them. This antagonistic portrayal raises questions about Sarah’s motivations and her portrayal as a caring family member, particularly during emotionally charged scenes where she accuses Morgan of harboring resentment.
Despite finally revealing their relationship to the family in 2009, the film fails to explore the reasons behind their 60-year secrecy. Lisa’s brief admission about her fear of familial abandonment and Sarah’s references to bigotry within the family provide insight but leave viewers wanting more depth regarding their experiences as out lesbians. The documentary suggests the couple’s relationship doesn’t alter the family’s affection for Lisa, yet comments about marriage suggest otherwise.
A crucial takeaway from “A Secret Love” is the danger of allowing others to tell queer narratives. It’s clear that Mark’s focus is not on the intricacies of Morgan and Lisa’s identities as queer women. The documentary hints at their struggles to maintain their romance in a hostile environment, yet the exploration of their lives as openly gay individuals feels superficial. Viewers are left questioning who this love story is truly for.
Initially, I hoped to see a reflection of how societal attitudes toward lesbians have evolved over the past seven decades. I came out to my family in my 30s, driven by the same fears faced by Morgan and Lisa. As their lives spanned critical historical events like gay liberation and marriage equality, I yearned to hear their perspectives on these changes. Regrettably, this crucial context remains unaddressed.
Additionally, the documentary neglects to showcase how Morgan and Lisa found their community. While there are glimpses of friendships with a gay male couple, the framing primarily revolves around their impending relocation, overshadowing the vibrant queer community that surely played a role in their lives.
Despite its heartfelt moments captured in home movies and letters, “A Secret Love” often prioritizes family narratives over the experiences of the couple themselves. Their wedding, celebrated after seven decades together, becomes another opportunity for family reflection rather than a moment for Morgan and Lisa to express their feelings about their love being legally recognized.
In conclusion, while “A Secret Love” is a well-crafted film, it ultimately raises more questions than it answers. It feels more like a narrative curated for a straight audience rather than a genuine representation of a lesbian love story. The filmmakers seem to seek recognition for their acceptance of Morgan and Lisa, yet the sincerity of that acceptance remains in doubt. Their experiences and struggles should be central to the narrative rather than relegated to the background. This documentary, while significant, falls short of honoring the love story that Morgan and Lisa truly deserve.
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Summary
This article critically evaluates Netflix’s documentary “A Secret Love,” highlighting its shortcomings in authentically portraying the long-term relationship of Morgan and Lisa. It argues that the film prioritizes family narratives over the couple’s experiences as queer women, raising questions about acceptance and representation within LGBTQ+ storytelling.