
Secretary
2002, Drama, 1h 52m
158 Reviews 50,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Maggie Gyllenhaal impresses in this romantic comedy with a kinky twist. Read critic reviews
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Cast & Crew
E. Edward Grey
Lee Holloway
Peter
Dr. Twardon
Burt Holloway
Jonathan
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Critic Reviews for Secretary
Audience Reviews for Secretary
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Mar 18, 2017"To thine own self be true," or so the saying goes but that's not always such an easy thing to do, society being society. Finding yourself, and then possibly finding love, is the gist here, capably realized by an able cast and in a memorable fashion.
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Aug 17, 2015What makes this film stand out as a truly adorable romance is the surprising way that it tackles the spicy kinkiness of its subject as a means for two people to find happiness, while it boasts a great score/soundtrack and Maggie Gyllenhaal shines in a lovely performance.Carlos M Super Reviewer
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Jun 22, 2014Based on a short story, written by Mary Gaitskill, "Secretary" tells the story of a mousy young woman who wants to change her life after a lifetime of cutting and self-hatred. Enter her boss (Spader) who is happy to help her change her ways by taking advantage of her sexually, culminating in a sadomasochistic relationship. The film is a test for the audience, to see if you believe it's a love story between two people who want a sub/dom relationship pertaining to a romantic interest that incorporates mutual respect and love, or a story about a man dominating a woman. The former would be a complex and often accepted story, since Gyllenhaal's character has to persuade her paramour that that is indeed what she wants, and that public attention doesn't limit her affection. It's rather sweet in places, but very dark in others, earnest in its depiction of these kinds of sexual fantasies and their participants. It's a bold endeavor for director Shainberg, one that pays off inevitably.Spencer S Super Reviewer
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Mar 18, 2013Maggie Gyllenhaal is just fabulous as a Secretary who discovers that she loves the kink with her boss and the odd way that she falls into such a predicament. Good character discovery.John B Super Reviewer
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