Secretary

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Secretary

R

2002

1h 52m

Drama

Comedy

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

157 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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Critics Consensus

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

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Barbara Ellen

The Times (UK)

Jan 2, 2018

Spader handles a tricky role beautifully, but this is Gyllenhaals's tour de force. She is remarkable and original.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Sep 11, 2017

B

... Secretary shows how one woman stopped at nothing to get her love. But I'm still scratching my head at the whole thing.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

Nov 1, 2007

A feel-good movie about sadomasochism, the seriocomic Secretary manages to be simultaneously subversive and sweet...In the wrong hands, the conceit could have turned ugly and offensive. But Spader and Gyllenhaal have a hushed, hilarious chemistry.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Mar 14, 2026

3/4

An honest and nonjudgmental movie about the unorthodox ways that lonely people often connect in an increasingly disconnected world.

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Barbara Shulgasser

Common Sense Media

Jan 13, 2026

3/5

This film treats the subject of submission and domination with great seriousness but also with a comic whiff that slyly questions what society accepts as normal.

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Stephen Silver

Tilt Magazine

Sep 30, 2022

4.5/5

Feels more like something A24 would release in 2022 than a Lionsgate movie from 2002, even though it's actually the latter (20th anniversary)

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Sharang L

@Scribe187 Sep 26, 2026

Mostly insufferable.

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Wendel L

@BRZRKR Aug 10, 2026

Direção: Ok Atuação: Ok Roteiro: Ok Caracterização: Ok Soundtrack: Ok

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Shelby A

@RT88250446 Jul 27, 2026

Out of touch about so much in this film. Cringy.

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Jason R

@J-Rush1411 Jun 25, 2026

Actually a good film, the two leads were great in their roles

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Julian W

@RT62367550 Apr 4, 2026

Ooops I accidentally made a review and can’t undo it

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Jack F

@MovieFan111 Mar 16, 2026

It was a weird movie. I didn't particularly like the performances. I don't know if it was intentional, but I didn't think Mr. Grey's acting was that good and it felt off (again, probably intentional). Unconventional romance movie I wasn't expecting. I feel like everyone's heard of this movie at one point or another, but never felt like watching it. Well I'm here to say it's worth the watch. It's something different.

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Steven Shainberg

Director

James Spader

E. Edward Grey

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Lee Holloway

Jeremy Davies

Peter

Patrick Bauchau

Dr. Twardon

Stephen McHattie

Burt Holloway

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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
Screenwriter: Mary Gaitskill, Erin Cressida Wilson
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Slough Pond, TwoPoundBag Productions, Double A Films
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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