Secretary Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman with self-harming tendencies gets a job as a secretary, and her boss is into spanking, so they both find happiness by enabling each other’s weirdness.

🍿 Secretary: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Lee’s Release and Search for Purpose

Lee Holloway, recently released from a mental institution following self-harm incidents, struggles to readjust to her dysfunctional family life. Seeking purpose, she attends typing school and begins dating Peter, an awkward acquaintance. She aims for independence and a normal life, despite her internal struggles and societal expectations.

The Eccentric Attorney and the Unusual Job

Lee lands a job as a secretary for E. Edward Grey, an eccentric attorney with old-fashioned practices. Despite her initial social awkwardness and overqualification, Grey hires her, setting the stage for an unconventional working relationship. The office environment is unique, lacking modern technology and filled with Grey’s peculiar demands.

The Emergence of BDSM and Personal Awakening

As Lee’s employment progresses, Grey’s behavior becomes increasingly dominant, triggering an unexpected response within her. Their interactions evolve into a BDSM relationship, leading Lee to a sexual and personal awakening. She finds solace and a sense of control within the dynamic, experiencing a newfound freedom.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mr. Grey (James Spader): A demanding and eccentric lawyer with a dominant personality and suppressed sexuality who explores a BDSM relationship with his secretary.
• Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal): An emotionally fragile young woman with a history of self-harm who discovers a new way to cope and a unique relationship as a submissive with her boss.
• Peter (Jeremy Davies): Lee’s conventional and awkward fiancé who struggles to understand her evolving needs and desires.
• Joan Holloway (Lesley Ann Warren): Lee’s co-dependent mother who is clueless about her daughter’s inner turmoil.
• Burt Holloway (Stephen McHattie): Lee’s alcoholic father struggles to connect with his daughter.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lee: “In one way or another, I’ve always suffered. I didn’t know why, exactly. But I do know that I’m not so scared of suffering now.” – Lee narrates her evolving perspective on suffering and her growing feelings for Mr. Grey.
• Mr. Grey: “You will never cut yourself again.” – Mr. Grey firmly commands Lee, marking a turning point in their relationship and her self-harming behavior.
• Mr. Grey: “Lean over, put your elbows on the table and read the letter out loud.” – Mr. Grey instructs Lee before spanking her for making mistakes, initiating their S&M dynamic.
• Lee: “I want to love him.” – Lee expresses her genuine desire to love Mr. Grey despite their unconventional relationship and his suffering.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,059,680
• Worldwide Gross: $9,304,609

💥 Secretary Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched ‘Secretary’ and I was totally floored. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the way it tackles such a taboo subject with humor and heart really got to me. Maggie Gyllenhaal is amazing; you just feel for her character so much. The scene where she’s waiting for Mr. Grey, just sitting there, was so intense. Honestly, it made me think about how people find love and acceptance in the most unexpected places, and I’m still processing it all. Definitely not your typical rom-com!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films”
  • “Viewers interested in BDSM themes”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Audiences who enjoy dark comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Contains scenes of BDSM”
  • “Deals with self-harm”
  • “May not be suitable for sensitive viewers”
  • “Adult themes and situations”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Maggie Gyllenhaal delivers a brave and nuanced performance, making ‘Secretary’ a surprisingly tender exploration of power dynamics and self-discovery. It’s a quirky film that challenges conventional romantic comedy tropes with its unconventional premise and sincere character development.
• Rolling Stone: “Despite its potentially controversial subject matter, ‘Secretary’ is surprisingly sweet and funny. James Spader perfectly embodies the repressed Mr. Grey, while Gyllenhaal brings a vulnerability that makes Lee genuinely sympathetic. It’s a daring film that explores desire and control with intelligence and wit.
• Entertainment Weekly: “With sharp wit and compelling performances, ‘Secretary’ navigates the delicate balance between comedy and drama. Gyllenhaal and Spader’s chemistry is undeniable, creating an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience. This unconventional love story will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Audience Reactions

The acting was phenomenal and made the unconventional relationship believable.: Viewers appreciated the film’s boldness in exploring unconventional relationships and its ability to find humor in dark themes.

The film’s ending was surprisingly heartwarming and satisfying.: Many found the film a thought-provoking exploration of personal boundaries and unconventional love.

Overall Consensus: ‘Secretary’ is a daring and thought-provoking film that explores unconventional relationships with humor, heart, and intelligence, largely thanks to the compelling performances of Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader.

Awards

1. National Board of Review (Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actress)- 2002
2. Boston Society of Film Critics Awards (Best Actress)- 2002

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Maggie Gyllenhaal considered the role in ‘Secretary’ as a pivotal moment in her career, allowing her to express personal aspects under the protection of fiction.”
• “Director Steven Shainberg emphasized a collaborative approach, valuing Gyllenhaal’s input and artistic contributions to the film’s narrative.”
• “The film’s exploration of S&M themes sparked debate, with discussions focusing on its portrayal of power dynamics and unconventional relationships.”

🖥️ How to Watch Secretary?

Secretary is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for possible broadcast options. Some streaming services may offer it with a subscription.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• 9½ Weeks (1986): Explores themes of sexual exploration and power dynamics in a relationship, similar to the unconventional nature of ‘Secretary’.
• Fifty Shades of Grey (2015): Features a dominant-submissive relationship, delving into the complexities of BDSM dynamics, but with a more mainstream approach.
• The Piano Teacher (2001): Portrays a woman’s exploration of her sexuality through a sadomasochistic relationship.
• Crash (1996): Explores unconventional sexual desires and the attraction to danger and the taboo, similar to how Secretary approaches BDSM.

🛒 Secretary Related Products

• Secretary: The Criterion Collection: A definitive edition of the film with insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes features, perfect for cinephiles and collectors.
• The Secretary: A Novel by Katie Kitamura: An examination of power, longing, and the complicated relationship between two people in a dark and compelling read.
• Calligraphy Pen Set: An excellent addition to your stationary set and a throwback to the movie.
• Typing Machine: An excellent addition to your stationary set and a throwback to the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Whatchamacallit” – performed by Juan García Esquivel

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why James Spader is hot (part 2)

Curious about James Spader’s charm? This video explores what makes him a captivating actor, with clips from ‘Secretary’ and beyond.

✨ Rate