Is Secretary Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Secretary is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 111 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Secretary Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2002, Secretary emerges as a significant entry in the Romance, Drama, Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A young woman, recently released from a mental hospital, gets a job as a secretary to a demanding lawyer, where their employer-employee relationship turns into a sexual, sadomasochistic one. Unlike standard genre fare, Secretary attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Romance is often anchored by its ensemble, and Secretary features a noteworthy lineup led by James Spader . Supported by the likes of Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jeremy Davies , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Secretary (2002) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Secretary Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Secretary is a Romance, Drama, Comedy film that explores the complexities of love and relationships with emotional depth and authenticity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A young woman, recently released from a mental hospital, gets a job as a secretary to a demanding lawyer, where their employer-employee relationship turns into a sexual, sadomasochistic one. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Secretary Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Secretary concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to romance resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the romance themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Secretary reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Secretary?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Romance films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Secretary Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $9.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Secretary Budget
The estimated production budget for Secretary is $4.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Secretary
- James Spader – Mr. Grey
- Maggie Gyllenhaal – Lee Holloway
- Jeremy Davies – Peter
- Lesley Ann Warren – Joan Holloway
- Stephen McHattie – Burt Holloway
Top Highlights
James SpaderMr. Grey
Maggie GyllenhaalLee Holloway
Jeremy DaviesPeter
Lesley Ann WarrenJoan Holloway
Stephen McHattieBurt Holloway
Patrick BauchauDr. Twardon
Jessica TuckTricia O'Connor
Osgood PerkinsJonathan
Amy LocaneLee's Sister
Mary JoySylvia
Where to Watch Secretary Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Lionsgate Play
Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel
Lionsgate Play Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Secretary is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Secretary stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2002 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Secretary movie hit or flop?
Secretary has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Secretary worth watching?
Secretary is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Drama, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Secretary online?
Secretary is currently available for streaming on Lionsgate Play. You can also check for it on platforms like Lionsgate Play, Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel, Lionsgate Play Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Secretary Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Secretary
Dominance and submission at the office (um... no) RELEASED IN 2002 and directed by Steven Shainberg, "Secretary" is a romantic dramedy about a young woman (Maggie Gyllenhaal) who spent some time at a mental hospital for self-harm (e.g. cutting). She apprehends a job as a secretary to a quirky, arduous lawyer (James Spader) wherein their employer-employee bond turns increasingly sexual in a dominant/submissive way. This is the first mainline film in America to breach the difficult topic of BDSM, walking the balance beam between being either too amusing or too offensive. For those not in the know, BDSM is an overlap of acronyms: BD stands for Bondage and Discipline; DS for Dominance and Submission; and SM for Sadism and Masochism. I didn’t really know the movie tackled BDSM before viewing it; I thought it was simply a romance-in-the-office type flick with maybe some kinky elements. The movie is polarizing, unsurprisingly. I read a few reviews by respectable critics and one was fascinated by it, giving it an incredible 10/10 Stars (Why Sure!), while another wrote it off as a film for sick people, granting it 1/10 Stars. Whilst I find the romance-at-the-office element interesting, I could care less about the BDSM angle. Regardless, the first half is amusing enough and Maggie is a winsome treat, but the second half gets a little too deviant and borders on porn. Yet the movie ends well with a well-intentioned message: This is a story about two people who have an affinity for DS that find each other and their relationship may or may not work (no spoilers). I suppose the movie is trying to get across that pain can be therapeutic as long as it's applied by the right hand with the right intention. Thus two people with an affinity for BDSM can develop a relationship that works, for them. But not me; no thanks. THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 47 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles. WRITERS: Mary Gaitskill (short story) and Erin Cressida Wilson & Shainberg (screenplay). GRADE: C-
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