The Handmaid's Tale

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The Handmaid's Tale

R

1990

1h 49m

Sci-Fi

Drama

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Popcornmeter

35%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

44%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

In a futuristic, theocratic and dystopian United States, Offred (Natasha Richardson) is forced to become a handmaid -- a sexual slave that serves as a surrogate for couples who desire children but who are unable to have them themselves. She works for the cold Serena (Faye Dunaway) and her cruel husband, the commander (Robert Duvall). Offred is in love with the commander's chauffeur Nick (Aidan Quinn) and must find a way to bear a child before she is shipped off to the wastelands.

Jason Bailey

Flavorwire

The early '90s were also not exactly a robust period in political cinema, and the influence of the Moral Majority - so clearly felt in Atwood's text - wasn't as pronounced in the Bush I White House as it had been in Reagan's. But, sadly, it sure is now.

May 6, 2017

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

The Handmaid’s Tale is a tract that strives for sensitivity- it lacks even the courage of its own misanthropy.

Rated: C-

Sep 7, 2011

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

At the end of the movie we are conscious of large themes and deep thoughts, and of good intentions drifting out of focus.

Rated: 2/4

Jan 1, 2000

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Though the themes are potent, depicting a cautionary tale of endless relevance, the establishment of this premise is a touch rushed.

Rated: 7/10

Aug 23, 2025

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Terry Francis

Southern Voice (Atlanta)

The film raises grave issues without really dealing with them, and the result is a work that's thematically shallow. But it has power.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 9, 2023

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

I do not dare reccomend this, but I don't ever regret having seen it. [Full review in Spanish]

Dec 2, 2022

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Steph J.

……… No……. The tv show is LEAGUES scarier. This felt like a romanticized version of a horror story…

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

07/30/25

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Alec B

The 1990 film adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale falls flat as a hollow and disjointed interpretation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian classic. Despite a strong cast, including Natasha Richardson and Robert Duvall, the movie strips away much of the novel’s emotional depth and political nuance, reducing complex themes of oppression and resistance to shallow melodrama. The screenplay, penned by Harold Pinter, feels cold and overly restrained, failing to capture Offred’s internal struggle or the terror of Gilead with any real urgency. Visually and tonally inconsistent, the film never quite finds its footing, ultimately feeling more like a satire of the famous novel than anything worthy. Stripping away Offred's inner dialogue and monologues strips the soul and purpose of the entire story. Avoid this adaption and head straight to the Hulu series for something better.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

06/03/25

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Renée G

Truely an affirmation having show, a must binge!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/21/25

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Julio S

Amazing series! It is a must watch for young generations .

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/11/25

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Gavin C

I heard about this movie, but never watched it. It has very low ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, which causes me to think that the rating system here is busted. The problem the movie has with reviewers is that it deals with sensitive issues, like misguided people trying to commit crimes against society, justifying their actions through God and religion. So...if you're religious I think you are automatically appalled by the movie, which is unfortunate since it means the meaning and purpose of the movie sailed right over your head.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/05/25

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Tony M

The movie is not an accurate representation of the book, but that is not the main reason I did not care for it {I didn't care for the book either}. It's the premise. If the U.S. is ever overthrown it won't be a theocracy that does so, it will be a leftist oligarchy. I agree an oligarchy could mask itself in a cloak of theocracy, but that is not how it usually happens. The television series is a more accurate representation of the book, but I don't care for it either. For my taste this is simply not a good story.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

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Volker Schlöndorff

Director

Natasha Richardson

Kate

Robert Duvall

Commander

Faye Dunaway

Serena Joy

Aidan Quinn

Nick

Elizabeth McGovern

Moira

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Synopsis

In a futuristic, theocratic and dystopian United States, Offred (Natasha Richardson) is forced to become a handmaid -- a sexual slave that serves as a surrogate for couples who desire children but who are unable to have them themselves. She works for the cold Serena (Faye Dunaway) and her cruel husband, the commander (Robert Duvall). Offred is in love with the commander's chauffeur Nick (Aidan Quinn) and must find a way to bear a child before she is shipped off to the wastelands.

Director: Volker Schlöndorff
Producer: Danny Wilson
Screenwriter: Harold Pinter
Production Co: Bioskop Film, Cinétudes Films, Cinecom Entertainment Group
Rating: R
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 14, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2M
Runtime: 1h 49m
Sound Mix: Surround

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