When I first caught a glimpse of the trailer for “A Hidden Love” on Netflix, I felt a surge of excitement. As a queer woman in a relationship with another woman, I find it crucial to learn about LGBTQ+ elders and their stories. This documentary chronicles the lives of Carla Henschel and Lisa Donahue, who met in the late 1940s and shared over 70 years together as partners. For more than six decades, they kept their relationship hidden from their families. Based on this premise, I anticipated a captivating narrative. However, upon viewing, I found several aspects troubling, particularly regarding the representation of LGBTQ+ experiences.
Filmmaking and Family Dynamics
It’s essential to mention that the documentary was created by Lisa’s family in partnership with filmmaker Alex Murphy. The film’s director, Jake Bolan, is Lisa’s great-nephew, which adds layers of complexity to the storytelling. The presence of Lisa’s niece, Diana, is significant throughout, and her portrayal can be perceived in a negative light, which only heightened my discomfort after learning of her familial connection.
The Beginning of Carla and Lisa’s Journey
Carla and Lisa’s journey began in 1947 when Terry returned to Canada during the off-season of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (like the movie “A League of Their Own”). The two women instantly fell for one another, embarking on a life filled with love, even while navigating societal expectations and engagements to men. Their commitment persisted, even as they concealed their romance for many years due to societal views on same-sex relationships.
Uneasy Themes in the Documentary
While “A Hidden Love” has its poignant moments, certain elements made me uneasy. As a queer woman, I felt that the filmmakers prioritized the aging process of the women and their impending move from their long-time Chicago home over the essence of their love story. Valid as these themes are, they seemed misplaced in a documentary that positions itself as a tale of love.
One of the most unsettling themes in the film is the continuous portrayal of Carla in a negative light. Diana asserts that Carla has “never” liked the family and has kept her “Auntie Lisa” at a distance. However, a closer look reveals Diana’s antagonistic behavior towards Carla, juxtaposed with her claims of being a caring niece. During a particularly intense moment, Diana breaks down, suggesting that Carla harbors animosity towards her.
Exploring Secrecy and Fear
The couple only revealed their relationship to their families in 2009, yet “A Hidden Love” skimps on the reasons behind their secrecy. Lisa hints at her fear of abandonment from her family had she come out sooner. Additionally, Diana notes that her father, Lisa’s brother, held prejudiced views, suggesting that his sister could be “cured.” This background provides context for Lisa’s silence, but the film does little to explore the emotional depths of their experiences as out lesbians.
Lack of Historical Context
The documentary fails to fully encapsulate the broader LGBTQ+ historical context in which Carla and Lisa lived. I hoped to see reflections on the changes in society over the past 70 years, especially since I, too, faced familial disapproval when I came out in my 30s. I wanted to learn how these remarkable women viewed the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, but unfortunately, that aspect remains unexplored.
Moreover, the film briefly touches on their connections within the queer community, yet much of the focus is on their reluctance to leave Chicago. While a scene with old friends adds warmth, it’s overshadowed by their complaints about moving, and we never see interactions with other lesbians. The film hints at their identities but doesn’t delve deeply into how they embraced their queerness or navigated their lives.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
Despite its beautiful production, “A Hidden Love” raises more questions than it answers. It feels like a queer story tailored for a straight audience, seeking validation for accepting Carla and Lisa without genuinely exploring their identities. Their experiences as out women, their struggles with family acceptance, and the complexities of their relationship should be central to the narrative rather than secondary anecdotes. The film ultimately reflects a family’s journey to comprehend who their beloved aunt truly was, which, while valid, is not the story that Carla and Lisa deserve.
“A Hidden Love” is currently available to stream on Netflix, and it offers a compelling, though incomplete, look into the lives of a remarkable couple.
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In summary, while “A Hidden Love” presents a touching narrative, its shortcomings in representing the authentic experiences of Carla and Lisa leave much to be desired. The filmmakers’ focus on familial acceptance over the couple’s story detracts from the rich tapestry of queer history that deserves to be highlighted.