As previously promised, my newest feature will look to at celebrating those underrated films and hidden gems that I feel need a little more love and attention. My first ‘Hidden Gem’ is Secretary from director Steven Shainberg.

Director: Steven Shainberg

Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader, Jeremy Davies

Awards: Golden Globe nominee – Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical

As an emotionally fragile young woman, Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal), recently discharged from a mental institute, gets a job as a secretary for the quiet yet demanding lawyer, Edward E Gray. As their rather unconventional relationship grows, Lee begins to come out of her shell and learn who she is as a person, and what she likes sexually.

Nearly ten years before the ‘Fifty Shades of Gray’ books took the world by storm, director Steven Shainberg introduces us to the original Mr Gray, a troubled yet intriguing lawyer whose somewhat unconventional desires makes it difficult for him to form any meaningful emotional connections.

Maggie Gyllenhaal, a hugely underrated actress in my opinion, is what makes this film something special. She excels in delivering both an innocent, naive and emotionally bruised wallflower and a young woman who knows exactly what she wants and is willing to do whatever it takes to get it.

Despite its themes of self harm, sadomasochism and submission, Secretary is actually a powerful and funny love story that is layered and complex. Given the amount of backlash that Fifty Shades has received , it’s surprising how this film has managed to stay off the feminist radar, although that may be because sex is not the main focus, it is used sparingly and only to drive the story forward. Instead the film uses a little dark humour to help establish the connections and progress the relationships which, despite the dominant/submissive aspects, are actually fairly equal and balanced.

So if you haven’t already, I recommend that you give you this film a watch.

Enjoy… x

As an Amazon Associates member, I may get a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. At no additional cost to you. Win, win!