The young woman in question is named Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who has a history of self-harm and has just been released from a mental institution. She gets a job as a secretary for E. Edward Grey (James Spader), a domineering and exacting lawyer who quickly begins to notice Lee's unusual willingness to endure pain and punishment.
As Grey begins to explore a strict BDSM relationship with Lee, the two of them navigate their own personal issues and insecurities, including Lee's need to submit and Grey's fear of emotional intimacy. Throughout the film, Lee and Grey explore various forms of BDSM play, including spanking, bondage, and domination, all while struggling to maintain a balance of trust and respect.
Despite the controversial subject matter, the film, directed by Steven Shainberg, was well-received upon its release in 2002, earning praise for its nuanced portrayal of BDSM relationships and for the performances of Gyllenhaal and Spader. The film was adapted from a short story by Mary Gaitskill titled "Secretary," which was included in her book "Bad Behavior."