Secretary
dir. Steven Shainberg · 2002
Feature
Toxic Relationships
Mood
Romantic / Dark
Look
muted color palette with intimate framing
Structure
character-driven with a focus on emotional evolution
Plot
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.
Why watch
"Secretary" is a daring exploration of love and power, where a young woman's journey through submission and self-discovery unfolds in a world that challenges societal norms. With its unique blend of romance and dark humor, this film invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries of intimacy and healing.
Cultural context
stigma around mental healthevolving perceptions of BDSMgender dynamics in the workplace