For all my people looking for a new show to binge watch, do I have an option for you. I'm sure most of you have seen ads or commercials floating around for the Hulu Original, The Handmaid's Tale. This gripping series is based off of the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood and the Hulu adaption aired on April 26, 2017. For those of you that don't know, The Handmaid's Tale is set in a Gilead, in what used to be part of the United States. This totalitarian society is ruled by a fundamentalist regime that treats women as property. Do to the plummeting birth rate and in a desperate attempt to repopulate, the few remaining women are forced into sexual servitude. Imagine going from a normal everyday life to having everything stripped from you like your money and children. If you need a some more reasons to binge this show, I have got you covered.
1. Dystopian or Real Life?
This show is set in a dystopian future where infertility and birth rates have fallen dangerously low. Even though some of the events in the show seem extreme it doesn't seem like it is too far off. The main character, Offred, explains how the world turned into a place where women had no rights and if you are fertile, you are forced to carry children for wealthier people. With the political turbulence we are experiencing with what women can do with their bodies, who knows what we might be in for.
2. Characters
You become so attached to the characters and accompany them in the feelings that they go through. You're rooting for them, crying with them, or wishing some of them will fail. The Handmaid's Tale will have you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Not to mention there are some recognizable faces on this show that you've probably seen in American Horror Story or Orange Is The New Black.
3. Cinematography
Director Reed Morano and cinemetograpger Colin Watkinson worked to created a color palette that was oppressive, but for some reason is pleasing. There is a line in the show where Offred says, "They shouldn't have given us uniforms if they didn't want us to be an army." The flowing red capes and stark bonnets are inspired by the puritan movement.
4. Sex Scenes
In Gilead, sex is not to be used for pleasure. Instead, it is a "ceremony." The handmaid's are forced to have sex with the commanders as their wives hold their arms down and look on. Gross right?! They are uncomfortable to watch, but it gives you insight to how they must feel.
5. More More More
Even after it's finished this show will stick with you. I finished it almost two weeks ago and I still think about it.
The Handmaid's Tale will have you gripping your pillows and shouting WTF at the T.V. screen. It is a beautifully crafted show and totally deserves the 13 nominations it received at the 2017 Emmys. Frightening, emotional, funny, and heart-warming, this show is definitely worth it. Two thumbs up!!
Oh! new episodes air April 25th, so you have more than enough time to catch up ;)
