Educational Media Reviews Online

Making Grace is a feature-length film by multi-talented, award-winning filmmaker Catherine Gund (Among Good Christian Peoples, Keep Your Laws Off My Body, A Touch of Greatness) as she documents a lesbian couple in their attempt to become parents to a beautiful baby girl, Grace.

Filmed over a period of three years, Gund’s delightful and engrossing film, intertwined with Paul Armstrong’s original score, is the result of finding and interviewing lesbian mothers who rely on anonymous sperm donors to start a family. During an era that Gund describes as “the lesbian baby boom,” she is particularly drawn to the forthright behavior of Ann Krsul and Leslie Sullivan. If there is any truth to the adage that opposites attract, then one should look no further than the dynamic relationship between Ann and Leslie. Ann is a constant worrier and must analyze every minute detail of her journey to becoming a mother. In contrast, Leslie is the epitome of calm and serenity. However, Ann’s anxiety is not unfounded. It has been over a year since Ann had to terminate an ectopic pregnancy in which a fertilized egg had been implanted outside her uterus.

Gund realizes that the characteristics and behaviors of these two wonderful people are the same whether they are in front of, or behind the camera. She is able to inconspicuously interact and record the daily emotions and concerns of Ann and Leslie, along with family and friends, as they reveal their innermost thoughts and concerns. The duo speak candidly about many issues, such as the need to find a sperm donor who will help create a child who will look like them, how to explain same-sex parenting to young relatives, creating a wish list for a baby-shower, and supporting each other during Lamaze classes. Both women agree that Ann will continue to work as a successful architect, while Leslie will be a stay-at-home mom.

The most poignant part of the film is of course the long-awaited arrival of Grace, a big and beautiful red-haired child. An instant bond develops between mother and child, and the audience can’t help but root for this family to survive, and be happy despite national attention and controversy surrounding same-sex unions. There is no greater joy than to see the love in Ann’s eyes as she holds Grace for the first time.

Yet, this is only the beginning. The reality of child-rearing settles in as the family leaves the hospital. Newsflash, children do not come with instruction manuals. So, it is with unconditional love and support that Ann and Leslie are able to lean on family and friends to help them ease into their new roles as mothers. Ann and Leslie will face minor obstacles as same-sex parents, one of which is that neither Ann nor Leslie have red hair, and, therefore must field questions about Grace’s paternity from curious strangers.

The film is an uplifting opportunity for other same-sex unions interested in starting a family. It is indeed an American family made in heaven.

I highly recommend this film for senior high, adults, college students, as well as libraries with strong gender study programs. It could also be of interest for sociology and psychology students interested in alternative family living, and the exposure to prejudices experienced by same-sex couples.