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Secretary

Play trailer Poster for Secretary R Released Sep 20, 2002 1h 52m Drama Comedy Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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77% Tomatometer 155 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a young woman with a history of severe emotional problems, is released into the care of her overbearing parents following a stay at a mental institution. She finds work as a secretary for a rigid and demanding attorney, E. Edward Grey (James Spader), and starts dating the kind but dull Peter (Jeremy Davies). However, Lee soon realizes she's turned on by Grey's stern demeanor, and begins a sadomasochistic relationship with him.
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Secretary

Secretary

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Critics Consensus

Maggie Gyllenhaal impresses in this romantic comedy with a kinky twist.

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Critics Reviews

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Barbara Ellen Times (UK) Spader handles a tricky role beautifully, but this is Gyllenhaals's tour de force. She is remarkable and original. Jan 2, 2018 Full Review Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online ... Secretary shows how one woman stopped at nothing to get her love. But I'm still scratching my head at the whole thing. Rated: B Sep 11, 2017 Full Review Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Rated: A- Sep 7, 2011 Full Review Stephen Silver Tilt Magazine Feels more like something A24 would release in 2022 than a Lionsgate movie from 2002, even though it's actually the latter (20th anniversary) Rated: 4.5/5 Sep 30, 2022 Full Review James Croot Stuff.co.nz A wicked little off-beat love story. Rated: 4/5 Jan 6, 2022 Full Review Casey Cipriani Bustle Presenting the original Mr. Gray. Maggie Gyllenhaal's Lee Halloway and James Spader's E. Edward Gray are a top notch duo of lawyer and secretary... Nov 16, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Eylul O to be honest i dunno why this film is considered a romance but its an interesting perspective and the actors managed to play really hard roles, so props the them Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/15/24 Full Review Test T I watched this on DVD recently. I found it a very peculiar film, and I can't understand why the critics rate it so highly. In the story, Lee is the one with a history of mental illness, but it's Edward's behaviour which appears abnormal and inappropriate. The whole story makes little sense, and I found it very difficult to maintain any interest in it. Edward is clearly the one at fault in the relationship, and should be prosecuted for his inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. Lee is the victim here, and should not have to tolerate Edward's abuse in his position as her employer. I do not recommend this film because it attempts to justify and normslise a very unsatisfactory situation. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 04/22/24 Full Review The H disgusting. Trying too hard to be original Rated 1 out of 5 stars 01/31/24 Full Review Subterranean B Una bellissima Maggie Gyllenhaal che sa bene cosa desidera viene trascinata da un viscido James Spader in una noiosa relazione sessuale disfunzionale e senza senso Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 12/15/23 Full Review Catherine K This was a wild ride. Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader were phenomenal! This has to be one of the most weird, funny, awkward movies I have ever seen and I am totally here for it. Definitely worth the watch Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/22/23 Full Review Julio A A,,,a sexualidade humana....a história de uma secretária que tem uns feitiches diferentes....o filme é quase simples mas é tão bem redondo que passa num piscar de olhos. Gostei. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a young woman with a history of severe emotional problems, is released into the care of her overbearing parents following a stay at a mental institution. She finds work as a secretary for a rigid and demanding attorney, E. Edward Grey (James Spader), and starts dating the kind but dull Peter (Jeremy Davies). However, Lee soon realizes she's turned on by Grey's stern demeanor, and begins a sadomasochistic relationship with him.
Director
Steven Shainberg
Producer
Andrew Fierberg, Amy Hobby, Steven Shainberg, Michael Roban
Screenwriter
Mary Gaitskill, Steven Shainberg, Erin Cressida Wilson, Erin Cressida Wilson
Distributor
Lionsgate Films
Production Co
Double A Films, TwoPoundBag Productions, Slough Pond
Rating
R (Language|Behavioral Disorders|Some Nudity|Strong Sexuality)
Genre
Drama, Comedy, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 20, 2002, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 20, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.0M
Runtime
1h 52m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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