On My Way Out: The Secret Life of Nani and Popi

On My Way Out: The Secret Life of Nani and Popi is a 2017 gripping documentary directed by Brandon Gross and Skyler Gross. The siblings as directors and filmmakers have brought a uniquely personal and emotional touch to the film. The storyline is centered around their grandparents, Roman and Ruth Blank, who have been living a deeply wrought secret life, giving the audience an insider's view into their truly captivating love story, and a riveting exploration of sexuality, relationships, and the human spirit.

Coming from an intimate standpoint, the directors successfully potray the raw, unstinted, and tangled emotional condition of their family. The film serves as an authentic depiction resonating on the deeply human level as it tackles themes of love, acceptance, and the pursuit of personal truth. It provides a mature and touching approach to the concept of love, relationship, and identity.

The protagonists of the film, the aged Holocaust survivors, Roman and Ruth Blank have been married for 65 years, having lived what seems to be a typical post-WWII American dream of two immigrants building a family life together in America. It is evident they’ve loved each other, raised two children together, faced life’s trials and tribulations side by side, supporting each other. Their love has—like all long relationships—weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, encapsulating the essence of a long-standing marriage. They’ve poured over half a century into their love story. However, beneath the surface of their seemingly conventional lives is a secret that challenges contemporary understandings and social norms.

In this documentary, Roman imparts a deeply personal secret that he's harbouring for the better part of his life, at the age of 95 that he is gay. The revelation, which comes as a shock to the audience and the characters within the documentary itself, forces their family to grapple with the unintended consequences of keeping this secret hidden for so long. It makes them rethink their preconceived notions about love, relationships, and the fortitude of the human spirit in coping with social expectations and personal truths.

In the later stages of life, Roman states that he wants to live out his truth openly and wishes to find a male companion. This declaration adds an additional layer of complexity to Roman and Ruth's relationship that significantly changes the dynamics of their relationship, showing that even though they had been through countless seasons of their lives together, a new waterfront has opened.

Each scene, sharp and nuanced with emotional depth, carries a profound sense of honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity. On one hand, there's a significant focus on Roman's journey toward living his truth. On the other hand, Ruth's character beautifully depicts the resilience, understanding, and acceptance that love and relationships imbue us with.

While telling this emotionally charged personal journey is vital, the backdrop of socio-cultural and political contexts also plays a vital role in the film. Being survivors of the ruthless and horrific Holocaust times, Roman and Ruth's experiences add a pivotal sociopolitical dimension to the narrative and exude their resilience as individuals. Further, Roman's decision to finally disclose his sexuality at the age of 95, tells an extraordinary tale of liberation, truth, and acceptance.

‘On My Way Out: The Secret Life of Nani and Popi’ is a touching testament to the transformative power of truth, the bonds of love, and the courage to live authentically, no matter the cost. This film is a profound exploration of the human condition, an acknowledgment of the depths of human emotions, the complexity of identities and the essence of relationships. It is truly a beautiful depiction of acceptance, unconditional love, and the resilience of the human spirit.

With all its depth, sincerity and emotionality, the movie grabs hold of the audience's hearts, prompting a re-evaluation of preconceived notions, and leaves them with a lingering sense of reflection. Diving into the secret life of Nani and Popi, viewers can anticipate not just a movie, but a deeply emotive experience.