The 2002 release of Secretary by Steven Shainberg is daring and distinctive in its approach to a romantic drama, exploring the deeper feelings and intricate details of a dominant-submissive interplay between an attorney and his secretary. Adapted from a short story by Mary Gaitskill, the film weaves dark humor and erotic suspense together to craft a narrative that is not only about fetishes, but also about healing, self-acceptance, and the journey toward one’s true self.
At its core, Secretary is not simply a film about BDSM; it is an exploration of love that traverses deeper than what is viewed as normal while studying the relationships between two fractured people who become whole by leaning into their shared weakness.
Synopsis
The plot centers on the character of Lee Holloway, a remarkable young woman played by Maggie Gyllenhaal. In this self-contained but profoundly rich character, we meet Lee who has just been discharged from a mental health facility after a spell of self-harming due to a deeply dysfunctional family system. On returning to her suburban town, she seeks to piece together some semblance of life that is ‘normal’. She learns typing, conservatively dresses for her job as a secretary, and applies for a position in a law firm.
The office is the domain of E. Edward Grey, portrayed with subtle vigor by James Spader. Mr. Grey is a lawyer of emotionally remote and fastidious bearing, marked by his reclusive peculiarities and odd mannerisms, rich in detail. The dynamic of the relationship begins with a set Grey and Lee but soon changes into more than what they expect.
Lee is far more competent and eager than she projects but her quiet demeanor shows her submissive ways which do not go unnoticed by Grey. Over time, he begins correcting her blunders, delivering them—not just verbally but through spankings and other forms of corporal discipline—there is consent. Far from paralyzing, this structure of relationship offers her empowerment, strange as it is, but order, clarity, and an connection on which depends emotionally.
What follows is not an erotic romance but rather emotional renewal for both characters. Lee finds herself gaining confidence, self-respect, and even joy through their interactions replacing her previous unhealthy ways of coping into something more sustained and reciprocal. While, Grey is consumed by guilt and shame about desires. Fearing that their relationship is inappropriate from both professional and moral stances he cuts off all ties with Lee.
This is where Lee now finds herself emotionally dislocated. She tries to develop a more normal romantic connection with Peter, a childhood friend who provides some comfort but lacks emotional and sexual connection. It is clear that her relationship with Grey is not only irreplaceable but also transformative.
In a climax that serves as the film’s emotional center, Lee takes a transformative step for herself and is forced to commit in a way that demands Grey face his fears and ultimately embrace their bond. Both emerge transformed and decide to choose their reality, which, though untraditional, is freely authentic to them.
Cast and Crew
Film Director: Steven Shainberg
Screenplay: Erin Cressida Wilson
Adaptation: Based The short story “Secretary” by Mary Gaitskill.
Executive Producers: Andrew Fierberg, Amy Hobby, Steven Shainberg.
Chief of Cinematography: Steven Fierberg
Film Editor: Pam Wise
Composer: Angelo Badalamenti.
Leading Actors:
Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee Holloway.
James Spader as E. Edward Grey.
Jeremy Davies as Peter.
Lesley Ann Warren as Joan Holloway (Mother of Lee).
Stephen McHattie as Burt Holloway (Father of Lee).
Patrick Bauchau as Dr. Twardon (Lee’s psychiatrist).
IMDb Ratings and Reception
Maggie’s film garnered around 7.0 ratings from star users on IMDb, which showcases a warm reception on the film from watchers and experts alike. The movie earned acclaim for its bold storytelling, sharp direction, and particularly the performance of Maggie Gyllenhaal, which many consider her breakout role.
Critics praised the film’s attempt to highlight mental illness with warmth, mature humor, and a certain level of depth. Rather than sensational dramatizing BDSM, Secretary treats the subject matter with respect intelligence, prioritizing emotional honesty over visually exaggerated eroticism.
Themes and Symbolism
As Secretary shows, power exchange, emotional healing, and self-acceptance usually go hand in hand. Lee transforms from a quietly self-harming woman into someone who boldly and confidently expresses her wants and needs. Her character’s development is profoundly sexual, deeply psychological.
The BDSM relationship that Lee shares with Grey is not portrayed as abuse, but rather a therapeutic arrangement that is consensual and beneficial to both parties. It becomes a metaphor for control—not only in the sense of power and control but in autonomy as well. Lee discovers strength in surrender—not due to weakness, but because in surrendering control, she gets to choose a system in which her life could be meaningful.
Grey, on the other hand, is the personification of fear of judgment, shame, and repression. He is a deeply conflicted man who cannot come to terms with his desires, and his journey is about learning to accept what he wants without the burden of guilt. Their last union symbolizes a uniquely cinematic moment where love is not idealized but instead celebrated as something that goes beyond social constructs and thrives on unconditional truth.
Conclusion
“Secretary” is a bold, witty, and unbelievably sweet film at heart. It is not just another tale about forbidden sexual perversion, but a story about finding someone in the most unanticipated places. Love, as we see, does not always present itself as a fairy tale, but is sometimes stowed away in the most peculiar nooks of human existence.
Maggie Gyllenhaal has astonishingly fused fragility with power in her portrayal of a woman battling with her conflicting feelings. In contrast, James Spader takes a more restrained approach to portraying a man’s struggle with his inner demons. While both portrayals are striking in their own way, it is their conflicting interplay that evokes the strongest reaction. Radiating repulsion, exasperation, and finally, profound beauty.
While “Secretary” will not appeal to the general public, claiming it a cult classic depends solely on one’s personal boldness, honesty, and penetration into the issues being appraised. In effect, the film serves as a stimulating reminder of love’s sponge-like capacity to absorb all eccentricities contradictory to the accepted norm when dealing with emotions and human logic.
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