Airdate: Movie: The Handmaid’s Tale

Ahead of the return of The Handmaid’s Tale next week, SBS VICELAND will screen the original 1990 movie featuring Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway and Aidan Quinn.

Following a coup, America is a country still at war with itself and ruled by a repressive Bible-inspired regime. Past pollution means only 1 per cent of women can bear children, and female criminals found to be potential mothers are put into an institution run by ‘Aunt Lydia’ to be indoctrinated. One such is Kate, who then seduces Fred, a higher-up in the security forces, to attempt to procreate. Fred’s wife Serena, is jealous and vicious, and the State’s grip seems to be tightening. But Kate still has her own mind, and is finding that some other people are prepared to resist.

10:25pm Thursday on SBS VICELAND.