Secrets & Lies

Hortense, an accomplished African American optometrist, embarks on a life-altering journey upon discovering the passing of her adoptive mother. Driven by curiosity and a desire for personal history, she delves into her past to uncover her biological roots. In an unexpected twist, Hortense discovers Cynthia, a working-class white woman, as her birth mother. As their worlds collide, the film explores themes of identity, race, and family dynamics through the lens of these two women connected by blood but raised in vastly different environments. The narrative delves into how Hortense's discovery affects her relationships with both Cynthia and her adoptive family, while also challenging societal expectations and personal beliefs around adoption and race.