Alright friends, grab your favorite coffee—today we’re diving into “Secretary,” a film that’s like a rollercoaster ride through the corridors of human relationships.

So, where to begin? Maybe with the plot: Lee Holloway, played by an absolutely spellbinding Maggie Gyllenhaal, fresh out of a mental institution, lands a job as a secretary for the enigmatic lawyer E. Edward Grey, who’s portrayed by James Spader. Ah, Spader, that man sure knows how to exude both charm and creepiness in equal measure, right?

Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t this just another office romance?” Oh, think again. The film tackles BDSM, and it’s not shy about it. Sure, it’s a bit controversial, but that’s what makes it so gripping. It made me squirm a bit, not gonna lie. The mix of vulnerability and empowerment that Gyllenhaal brings to Lee is, wow, just mesmerizing.

The film isn’t just about kink; it’s also about finding a sense of self. Watching it, I couldn’t help but think back to the time I took a job at a quirky second-hand bookshop here in Stockholm. My boss was…let’s say, “unorthodox.” I remember the first month being a mix of fascination and bewilderment. Sure, no spanking was involved, but the peculiar dynamics? Totally relatable.

Visually, “Secretary” is a treat. The cinematography captures the sterile quality of an office with contrasts of personal, intimate moments. There’s a scene where Lee types with a kind of poetic rhythm—it’s surreal, almost like watching a dancer.

But, to be fair, not everyone will dig this movie. The pacing can feel slow, and the topic might be too much for some. I think it walks a fine line between disturbing and beautiful, if that makes sense.

I wonder how audiences here in Sweden would’ve reacted if it had premiered at Filmstaden Råsunda back in the day. It’s the kind of film that sparks heated discussions on the walk home, you know?

Ok, enough yakking. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, give “Secretary” a whirl. It’s provocative, peculiar, and maybe a bit perplexing—but isn’t that what good cinema should be?

Check out the trailer here: Secretary