Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- darkly comic
- provocative
- tender
- adult date night
- independent film night
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded the film as an original, carefully balanced, and often bold treatment of BDSM romance, while some objected to its idealization of a potentially abusive relationship.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Lee Holloway and Mr. Grey's employer-employee relationship develops through BDSM dynamics and changing personal boundaries.
The film balances self-harm history, sexual unconventionality, and a developing romance without committing entirely to either bleak drama or broad comedy.
Lee's work as a secretary for lawyer Mr. Grey turns the office into the central space for their power dynamics.
Lee seeks secretarial training and employment while gradually finding confidence, purpose, and a sense of identity.
Films like Secretary, and why
The Piano Teacher
shared exploration of unconventional sexuality, emotionally complex romance, and darkly comic relationship dynamics
The Duke of Burgundy
shared focus on a psychologically troubled woman, sexual power dynamics, and transgressive romantic drama
Harold and Maude
shared combination of quirky romantic comedy, wounded characters, and unconventional intimacy
Movie Details
- Director
- Steven Shainberg
- Release Date
- 2002-09-20
- Runtime
- 111 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (2014)
Cast
- James Spader
- Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Jeremy Davies
- Lesley Ann Warren
- Stephen McHattie
- Patrick Bauchau
- Jessica Tuck
- Osgood Perkins
- Amy Locane
- Mary Joy
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Secretary about?
- A troubled young secretary finds unexpected purpose and emotional fulfillment through an unconventional relationship with her demanding lawyer employer.
- What is Secretary like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Secretary as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Secretary violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Secretary as mild.
- What did critics think of Secretary?
- Critics broadly regarded the film as an original, carefully balanced, and often bold treatment of BDSM romance, while some objected to its idealization of a potentially abusive relationship.
- Which films are like Secretary?
- Films with a similar feel include The Piano Teacher, The Duke of Burgundy, and Harold and Maude.
- How long is Secretary?
- Secretary runs 111 minutes.
- Where can I watch Secretary?
- In United States, Secretary streams on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Howdy Amazon Channel.
