Secretary (2002)
A darkly comic, boundary-pushing romantic drama that turned Maggie Gyllenhaal into a star and redefined the workplace love story.
Secretary - Movie Information
- Original Title: Secretary
- Release Year: 2002
- Directed by: Steven Shainberg
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 20, 2002 (Denmark - 15), October 11, 2002 (United States - R), May 16, 2003 (United Kingdom - 18), September 25, 2003 (Germany - 16), June 4, 2003 (France - 12), May 29, 2003 (Australia - MA 15+), August 29, 2003 (Brazil - 16), May 30, 2003 (Mexico - C), April 4, 2003 (Italy), July 16, 2004 (Spain - 18), September 26, 2003 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: Katibə (AZ), La secretaria (AR), 세크러테리 (KR), 风流老板俏秘书 (CN)
- Production Companies: Slough Pond, double A Films, TwoPoundBag Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Secretary - Plot
A young woman, recently released from a mental hospital, gets a job as a secretary to a demanding lawyer, where their employer-employee relationship turns into a sexual, sadomasochistic one.
Secretary - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for the film's tone:
Assume the position.
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Secretary - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Steven Shainberg
Main Cast
- James Spader
- Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Jeremy Davies
- Lesley Ann Warren
- Stephen McHattie
- Patrick Bauchau
- Jessica Tuck
- Osgood Perkins
- Amy Locane
- Mary Joy
Writers
- Erin Cressida Wilson
Producers
- Steven Shainberg
- Amy Hobby
- Andrew Fierberg
Secretary - FAQs
What is Secretary (2002) about?
Secretary follows Lee Holloway, a fragile young woman who lands a job working for the intense attorney Mr. Grey. What begins as a tense professional dynamic gradually transforms into an unconventional BDSM romance. The film blends dark comedy with genuine emotional depth, exploring themes of desire, identity, and self-discovery.
Does Secretary have a happy ending?
Yes, in its own unconventional way. Lee ultimately embraces her true self and her feelings for Mr. Grey, leading to a relationship built on mutual understanding and consent. The film closes on a warm, even tender note — a surprisingly hopeful conclusion given its provocative subject matter.
Where can you stream Secretary (2002)?
Secretary is available to stream for free on Tubi TV, Kanopy, Plex, and Fandango at Home Free. It's also included with Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. If you prefer to rent or buy, you'll find it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Is Secretary based on a true story or book?
Secretary is adapted from a short story of the same name by Mary Gaitskill, published in her 1988 collection Bad Behavior. Screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson expanded the source material significantly, adding depth to the characters and developing the romance into a full narrative arc.
Who are the main actors in Secretary?
Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader lead the cast as Lee Holloway and Mr. Grey. Gyllenhaal earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance, widely regarded as a career-defining role. Jeremy Davies, Lesley Ann Warren, and Stephen McHattie round out the key supporting cast.
How was Secretary received by critics?
Critics embraced Secretary warmly, praising its wit, originality, and the fearless performances at its center. Maggie Gyllenhaal in particular drew widespread acclaim. The film holds a strong reputation as a bold, genre-defying work that handles its provocative material with surprising tenderness and humor.
Is Secretary related to Fifty Shades of Grey?
Not officially, but the connection is hard to ignore. Both feature a dominant-submissive romance between a powerful man named Grey and a younger woman. E.L. James has never confirmed Secretary as a direct influence, but fans and critics have long noted the striking parallels between the two works.
Did Secretary win any awards?
Secretary earned several nominations and wins on the independent circuit. Maggie Gyllenhaal received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. The film also won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, cementing its status as a standout of early 2000s independent cinema.
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