The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale

Year: 1990

Runtime: 109 min

Language: English

Director: Volker Schlöndorff

Sci-FiDramaThrillerRomance

In a disturbingly realistic dystopian America, a woman known as Offred is forced into servitude as a Handmaid. Part of a horrifying system designed to repopulate a declining nation, she is assigned to the Commander and his wife, Serena Joy. While grappling with memories of her past and a desperate longing for her family, Offred must navigate a complex and dangerous environment, facing moral dilemmas and risking everything as she searches for a way to resist and survive.

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Timeline – The Handmaid's Tale (1990)

Trace every key event in The Handmaid's Tale (1990) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Gilead's Formation

The film opens with a somber proclamation about the Republic of Gilead, depicting a future where society has crumbled. The narration sets a dark tone, indicating that the country has deviated from its moral path and established an oppressive regime.

Mountain Landscape
2

The Escape Attempt

Kate, alongside her husband and child, navigates the perilous mountain terrain in an attempt to escape Gilead. Tragically, her husband is killed while trying to distract guards, leading to Kate's capture and the horrifying separation from her daughter.

Snow-covered Mountains
3

Arrival at the Facility

After being captured, Kate and other women are trucked into a facility where they are categorized based on their fertility. The harsh reality of their situation becomes apparent when a woman protests her infertility, only to be violently taken away by guards.

Facility
4

Introduction to Aunt Lydia

Upon arriving at their new prison, the women meet Aunt Lydia, who represents the regime's authority over them. She introduces them to the brutal rules of the Handmaids, laying the groundwork for the psychological and physical oppression they will face.

Red Center
5

The Red Center

The women are transported to the Red Center, a place designed for their indoctrination. As windows are painted over, Kate and Moira share their stories, revealing their past lives and the stark realities of their new identities as Handmaids.

Red Center
6

Living as Offred

Kate takes on the new identity of Offred as she becomes a Handmaid in the household of her Commander. This role requires her to navigate a treacherous social dynamic, balancing the oppressive authority of the Wives while struggling to maintain her own sense of self.

Commander's Home
7

Forbidden Romance

Within the confines of the Commander's home, Kate develops a passionate relationship with Nick, the driver. This bond offers her a glimmer of hope and emotional support, allowing her to push back against the oppressive structures surrounding her.

Commander's Home
8

Salvaging Ceremony

During a grim 'salvaging' event, the Handmaids are coerced into carrying out violent punishments against those who defy the regime. This harrowing experience intensifies Kate's rebellious spirit and reinforces her will to survive and find freedom.

Salvaging Site
9

Turning Point

As Kate grows increasingly defiant, she learns about Mayday, a rebel group opposing the regime. This pivotal moment ignites her desire for resistance and sparks a plan for liberation that will reshape her fate.

Red Center
10

The Act of Resistance

In a shocking twist, Kate takes the ultimate step towards freedom by killing her Commander. This brutal act represents her rejection of oppression and becomes a beacon of hope for her future escape.

Commander's Home
11

Escaping Gilead

With the rebels arriving to assist her, Kate manages to escape from Gilead. This moment marks a significant shift in her journey, as she takes her first steps towards liberation and a chance for a new life.

Mountains
12

Reflecting on the Future

Now pregnant and safe with the rebels, Kate contemplates her uncertain future. Her voiceover expresses a profound mix of hope and despair as she waits for her baby to be born, yearning to reunite with her lost daughter.

Rebels' Camp
13

The Haunting Memories

Kate's reflections are haunted by memories of her daughter, whom she has been forcibly separated from. Despite the oppressive weight of her past, she holds onto a dream of love and freedom in a world that has stripped them away.

14

Determined to Reunite

As Kate prepares for the arrival of her child, she is fueled by her determination to reunite with her daughter. Her journey symbolizes both the struggles of motherhood under oppression and a glimmer of hope for the future.

Rebels' Camp

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 02:26

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The Handmaid's Tale Summary

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The Handmaid's Tale Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Handmaid's Tale

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Handmaid's Tale

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