Secretary (2002)

Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) comes from a troubled family and struggles with self-harm problems. She begins a new job working as a secretary for lawyer E. Edward Grey (James Spader), and begins an extreme relationship with him that’s based on discipline and control. This becomes an unlikely love story. 

It’s not for the prudish or the easily startled, but there’s a touching drama contained within this deliberately disturbing and very black comedy. Gyllenhaal is so expressive that she perfectly evokes her transformation from suffering victim to the liberated master of her own destiny. A slightly surreal, absurd aspect enhances the film rather than making it less believable. 

Adapted from a short story by Mary Gaitskill, Secretary covers themes that most films won't go near. It does so with wit and charm, so it doesn’t feel exploitative – even when exploitation is part of the subject matter.