Filmium
Back to search
Movie Backdrop

The Handmaid's Tale streaming

1990 Movie United States, Germany Action, Sci-Fi, Drama, Romance, Science Fiction 108 min Ages 16+
By: Volker Schlöndorff With: J. Michael Hunter, Reiner Schöne, Aidan Quinn, Robert D. Raiford, Victoria Tennant

In a future dystopian land (formerly the United States of America), the story tells of Kate, a "handmaid". Kate is a criminal, guilty of the crime of trying to escape and sentenced to become a Handmaid. Handmaids' sole function is to bear the children of influential men whose wives (like most women) have been rendered infertile due to pollution. After rigorous group training by "Aunt" Lydia ("Aunts" train and discipline handmaids) in the proper way to behave, Kate is assigned as Handmaid to the Commander. Kate is attracted to Nick, the Commander's chauffeur. At the same time, a resistance movement begins to challenge the regime.

Filmium rating
60%

Mood

Dark
Disturbing
Melancholic
Serious
Tense
Thoughtful

Cast & Crew

Volker Schlöndorff
Margaret Atwood
Harold Pinter
Robert Duvall
Robert D. Raiford
Allison Holmes
Faye Dunaway
Elizabeth McGovern
Lucia Hartpeng
Gary Bullock
J. Michael Hunter
Victoria Tennant
Kathryn Doby
Traci Lind
Karma Ibsen Riley
Aidan Quinn
Zoey Wilson
Lucile McIntyre
Reiner Schöne
Natasha Richardson
Blanche Baker
Ryuichi Sakamoto

Adaptation

Literary Source
Novel Adaptation

Budget

Low-Budget

Cinematic Technique

Dramatic Visuals
Film Adaptation
Location Shooting
Poetic
Symbolic Imagery
Visual Realism
Visual Striking

Narrative Structure

Adapted Screenplay
Character-Driven
Flashbacks
Fragmented
Linear

Pace

Deliberate
Slow-Paced
Tension-Building

Soundtrack

Original Score
Ryuichi Sakamoto

Style

Adaptation
Cinematic
Dystopian
Gritty
Haunting Score
Realistic

Time-Period

Dystopian
Future Dystopia
Near Future

Central Conflict

Escape
Female Reproductive Rights
Female Subjugation
Fertility Crisis
Totalitarian Control

Characters

Commander
Handmaid
Nick
Offred
Resistance Fighter
Serena Joy
The Commander

Ending

Ambiguous
Hopeful
Resistance

Historical Context

Dystopian Future
Religious Fundamentalism
Totalitarian Regime

Key Plot Points

Capture And Indoctrination
Pregnancy Attempt
Rebellion

Plot

Dystopian Society
Female Oppression
Female Subjugation
Rebellion
Resistance
Totalitarian Regime

Setting

Dystopian America
Gilead
North America
Post-Apocalyptic

Shooting Location

Duke University
North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina

Theme

Female Autonomy
Female Oppression
Oppression
Resistance
Totalitarian Control
Totalitarianism

Genre

Drama
Dystopian
Science Fiction
Social Commentary

Audiences

Adults
Fans Of Dystopian
Feminist Audiences
Literary Enthusiasts
Literature Enthusiasts

Titles

The Handmaid'S Tale

Critical Reception

30% Rotten Tomatoes
Critic Skepticism
Mixed Reviews

Festivals

Berlin International Film Festival

Ratings

30% Approval
Low Rating
Low Ratings

Reception

30% Rotten Tomatoes
Critic Uncertainty
Critical Uncertainty
Low Approval Rating
Mixed Reviews

Production Countries

Canada
United States

Release Year

1990
mowizz ID: bde6ad4d-da28-430a-8cd1-68c828a18125
Imprint
Privacy policy
Terms and Conditions
About us
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Supported by:
KtBE
BAK
EGS
Suissimage
Swissperform
© 2026 Filmium GmbH - all external content remains the property of the rightful owner
Version: v1.2.40 (frontend) | (backend)