The Handmaid's Tale Season 1 Review

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This dystopian television series is one of a kind. There are elements characteristic to the genre- the conventional system replaced by a new tyrannical one; a tightly controlled society that longs for the old ways; restrictions on freedom of any kind; a few brave souls risking their lives and more to end the autocracy. This is a story of the quiet voice of dissent, which grows in strength and power, fuelled by the unquenchable spark of humanity within.

America is an ultra-orthodox, totalitarian society where male chauvinism is at its worst and religion has been perverted to serve the interests of those in power. Fertility rates have decreased to an alarming level, threatening the very existence of humankind. The story is told from Offred’s perspective, a woman whose only value lies in her ability to bear children. It is a story of subjugation, despair, loss and courage. In this dystopian narration, the evil is not capitalism, socialism, alien invasion or the outbreak of a pandemic; it is religion. It is not the supernatural good versus evil. It is more terrible, more real- religion twisted and corrupted to subjugate the masses and serve a misplaced ideal at the cost of human life and moral dignity.


Elisabeth Moss gives a commendable performance as Offred. Handmaid’s Tale is based on a book of the same name, written by Margaret Atwood. Bruce Miller, the creator of the television series, not only does it justice, but also takes it further. It is not action-packed, but thought provoking. It does not offend the senses, but the sacred free spirit that dwells in the hearts of all of humanity. A story of quiet dissent, deep despair and the indomitable human spirit, the Handmaid’s Tale is definitely a must-watch.  

Rating- 4/5

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