Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has a few strikes against her when she applies for a secretarial position at the law office of E. Edward Grey (James Spader). First, she was released only recently from a mental institution; second, after only one day back with her dysfunctional suburban family, she has already succumbed again to her secret, self-destructive habit. Although she’s never had a job in her life, Lee is hired by the mysterious lawyer Mr. Grey. At first the work seems quite normal, but soon, in between typing, filing, and coffee-making, Lee and Mr. Grey embark on a more personal relationship together, crossing lines of conduct that would give any human resource director pause. The film is based on the short story “Secretary,” from Mary Gaitskill’s collection Bad Behavior.