Maggie Gyllenhaal crosses over to the dark side - Hollywood - as Batman's love interest in The Dark Knight, but we love her best for her performances in indie films. Here is the essential Maggie Gyllenhaal primer in the films you don't want to miss.
1. Secretary (2002)
Lions Gate
A little cutting, a little spanking: Maggie Gyllenhaal rose to fame as troubled secretary Lee Holloway, who comes into her own during a sadomasochistic relationship with her boss (the reliably creepy James Spader). Based on the short story by Mary Gaitskill, Steven Shainberg's independent film Secretary first showcased Gyllenhaal's electrifying talent. Crawling on her knees, blindfolded, you name it, Maggie holds all the power, and her small moments of pleasure will make you giddy. 
2. SherryBaby (2006)
Maggie, baby! In Laurie Collyer's moving indie film SherryBaby, the articulate Columbia educated actress disappears in a chameleon-like performance. She becomes Sherry, a former stripper and recovering addict who wears low-cut tank tops and impossibly tight jeans, and talks like a working class Jersey girl.
3. Casa de los babys (2003)
Add Southern debutante to the list: Maggie Gyllenhaal plays an unhappy wife who believes that adopting a Latin American baby will save her failing marriage. She joins a cast of impressive female thespians including Marcia Gay Harden, Mary Steenbergen, Daryl Hannah and Lily Taylor in John Sayles' Casa De Los Babys.
4. Happy Endings (2005)
One member of the sprawling ensemble cast stands out in Don Roo's Happy Endings: Maggie Gyllenhaal as Jude, a penniless woman who creates her own prospects. Even better, she also sings - a husky rendition of "Just The Way You Are."
5. The Great New Wonderful (2005)
I had no idea you could be a cutthroat pastry chef until I saw Maggie Gyllenhaal do the profession honors in The Great New Wonderful. As Emme Keeler, Gyllenhaal finds wonder in gold leaf butter cream frosting. Danny Leiner's thoughtful ensemble drama follows the stories of five disparate sets of New Yorkers a year after the attacks of 9/11.
