Secretary | Rotten Tomatoes

Secretary

R

Now Playing

1h 52m

Drama

List

78%

158 Reviews

Tomatometer

82%

50,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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.

Read More

Read Less

Now in Theaters

Now Playing

Buy Tickets

In Theaters

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Rent Secretary on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

Critics Consensus

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

Read Critics Reviews

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

Qasim R

It's just a BDSM soft porn version.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

07/29/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Steven Shainberg

Director

James Spader

E. Edward Grey

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Lee Holloway

Jeremy Davies

Peter

Patrick Bauchau

Dr. Twardon

Stephen McHattie

Burt Holloway

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

40%

56%

An Awfully Big Adventure

58%

65%

AKA

40%

65%

Lost Angels

21%

41%

Sonny

74%

50%

Swimming

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

10 Offbeat Romantic Comedies for Valentine’s Day

15 Boundary-Pushing Movies That Broke Sexual Taboos

Jack Ryan Series Stalled at Paramount

View more photos

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

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: Jamie Beardsley, P.J. Posner, Joel Posner
Screenwriter: Mary Gaitskill, Steven Shainberg, Erin Cressida Wilson, 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
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)

Most Popular at Home Now