Secretariat Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A housewife inherits a horse, hires a flamboyant trainer, and then the horse runs fast, wins races, and makes everyone cry, proving that horses are basically just really fast, four-legged tearjerkers.

🍿 Secretariat: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Taking Over Meadow Stables

Penny Chenery, a housewife and mother, reluctantly agrees to take over her ailing father’s Meadow Stables in Virginia. She lacks extensive horse-racing knowledge, making her task daunting. The stables are facing financial difficulties, adding pressure to Penny’s new responsibilities. Faced with skepticism and financial challenges, Penny begins to learn the intricacies of horse racing. She seeks guidance and relies on her instincts to make critical decisions for the stable’s future. Her dedication becomes evident as she navigates the male-dominated world of horse racing, determined to honor her family’s legacy.

The Birth of a Champion

Penny makes a crucial decision to breed her mare, Somethingroyal, with the renowned racehorse Bold Ruler. This pairing results in the birth of a chestnut colt, later named Secretariat. From an early age, Secretariat demonstrates exceptional athleticism and potential. Secretariat’s development captures the attention of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin, who sees the horse’s extraordinary capabilities. Together, Penny and Lucien embark on a journey to train and prepare Secretariat for the competitive world of thoroughbred racing, facing numerous obstacles along the way.

The Triple Crown

Secretariat enters the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown, and shatters the record with a time of 1:59 2/5. His performance stuns the racing world. He continues his winning streak at the Preakness Stakes, setting another record and solidifying his reputation. The final leg, the Belmont Stakes, presents the ultimate challenge. Secretariat faces fierce competition, but delivers a performance for the ages. He wins by an unprecedented 31 lengths, setting a new world record and securing the Triple Crown, a feat not accomplished in 25 years.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Penny Chenery (Diane Lane): A housewife and mother who takes over her father’s horse stable and guides Secretariat to become a Triple Crown winner.
• Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich): The eccentric veteran horse trainer who helps Penny develop Secretariat into a champion.
• Secretariat (N/A): The prodigious thoroughbred stallion who becomes the first Triple Crown winner in twenty-five years.
• Eddie Sweat (Nelsan Ellis): Secretariat’s dedicated groom who forms a close bond with the horse.
• Jack Tweedy (Dylan Walsh): Penny’s husband who initially struggles to support her unconventional career change.
• Chris Chenery (Scott Glenn): Penny’s ailing father who initially owns Meadow Stables and inspires her passion for horse racing.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Penny Chenery: “More than three thousand years ago a man named Job complained to God about all his troubles and the Bible tells us that God answered. Do you give the horse its strength or clothe its neck with a flowing mane? Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray. He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing, He does not shy away from the sword. The quiver rattles against his side, along with the flashing spear and lance. In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground. He cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.” – Penny recites this passage from the Bible to explain her determination and the awe-inspiring nature of Secretariat.
• Lucien Laurin: “He’s the kind of horse that only comes around once in a lifetime.” – Laurin expresses his admiration for Secretariat’s unparalleled talent.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $59,713,955
• Worldwide Gross: $60,321,861

💥 Secretariat Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Secretariat! As a huge animal lover, the movie really moved me. The scene where Secretariat wins the Belmont by a ridiculous 31 lengths gave me chills, and Diane Lane’s performance as Penny was inspiring. It’s a classic underdog story with a beautiful horse at its center. I found myself crying and cheering throughout the movie, and I can’t wait to watch it again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of horse racing”
  • “Families looking for an inspiring story”
  • “Those who enjoy sports movies”
  • “Viewers interested in true stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief mild language”
  • “Some thematic elements related to family stress”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Secretariat is an inspiring, feel-good film. Diane Lane delivers a strong performance as Penny Chenery, a woman who defies the odds in a male-dominated sport. While the film occasionally leans into sentimentality, the racing scenes are thrilling, and the overall message is uplifting. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a heartwarming story.
• Hollywood Insider: “Secretariat is a triumphant swim story. John Malkovich’s eccentric performance adds color to an already vibrant film. While the movie is a bit formulaic, it captures the spirit of Secretariat and Penny Chenery’s determination. It’s a well-made, inspiring film that will appeal to a broad audience.

Audience Reactions

The movie perfectly captures the spirit of Secretariat and the thrill of horse racing.: Viewers consistently praise the movie’s inspirational story, strong performances, and exciting race scenes.

Overall Consensus: Secretariat is a feel-good sports drama celebrated for its inspirational story, great performances, and thrilling horse racing sequences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The real Penny Chenery served as a consultant on the film, providing valuable insights into the events and characters.”
• “To accurately portray Secretariat’s races, filmmakers studied archival footage to replicate the horse’s unique running style and the atmosphere of the time.”
• “Several horses were used to portray Secretariat, each selected for specific qualities like coloring, build, and temperament.”

🖥️ How to Watch Secretariat?

Secretariat is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Disney+, where a subscription is required. It’s also available to rent or buy on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for television airings, as it sometimes appears on cable channels like FX or ESPN during sports events.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Secretariat, you might like these similar films:

• Seabiscuit (2003): Both films are inspirational true stories about racehorses who defy expectations and capture the hearts of the nation.
• Dreamer (2005): Features a family bonding over a horse and overcoming obstacles in the horse racing world.
• The Black Stallion (1979): A visually stunning film about a boy and a wild Arabian stallion, emphasizing the bond between humans and horses.
• Eddie the Eagle (2016): Inspiring underdog story about an athlete who defies expectations to compete in the Olympics.

🛒 Secretariat Related Products

• Secretariat (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging): Own the exciting story of Secretariat in stunning high definition! This Blu-ray/DVD combo pack allows you to experience the magic of this racing legend at home, with bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Secretariat Movie Poster: Show your love for Big Red! Featuring the original theatrical artwork, this high-quality print captures the heart and excitement of the movie. Perfect for decorating a home theatre or sports room, this poster will transport you back to the races every time you see it.
• Thoroughbred Horse Racing Card Game: Engage in a thrilling tabletop racing experience! Manage your stable, train your horses, and compete in prestigious races, all within the exciting world of thoroughbred racing. Outsmart your rivals and strategize your way to the winner’s circle in this immersive and strategic card game.
• Secretariat T-Shirt: Show your love for the legendary racehorse Secretariat with this stylish t-shirt. Featuring a bold design, this comfortable tee is perfect for everyday wear and lets you celebrate one of the greatest athletes of all time. Available in various sizes and colors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Secretariat features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Silent Night” – performed by AJ Michalka

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Secretariat’s last footage.

Ever wonder what happened to Secretariat after his racing days? This rare footage shows him near the end of his life, and it’s honestly quite touching to see him just being a horse.

Secretariat’s death revealed why he was ‘tremendous machine’

Did you know that Secretariat’s autopsy revealed some incredible things about his body? This video dives into the science behind his amazing athleticism – it’s pretty mind-blowing!

✨ Rate