The Handmaid's Tale (1990)

[ Engine rumbling ]
[ Doors closing ]
[ Engine revving ]
I'm tired, Mommy.
OK, OK, sweetie.
- We're all tired, honey.
- OK.
Here we go.
Hold tight.
- Come on, sit.
Now hold on tight.
- Like that.
[ OVER P.A.]
This is Border Patrol.
This is Border Patrol.
You are approaching the border
of the Republic of Gilead.
You're not allowed any closer.
Turn back.
This is Border Patrol.
This is Border Patrol.
You are approaching the border
of the Republic of Gilead.
You are not allowed any closer.
Turn back.
This is Border Patrol.
This is Border Patrol.
You are approaching
the border of the Republic...
I'll keep them busy.
[ Screaming ]
No! No!
[ Gunfire ]
[ Crying ]
[ Gunshot ]
Mommy!
Jill! Get down!
[ Shouting ]
Jill! No!
My baby!
Jill!
[ Screaming ]
- Let's go.
- [ Shouting ]
Come on.
[ Horn honking ]
[ Horn honking ]
[ Indistinct conversations ]
Results for
following numbers...
3964, positive.
4281, positive.
6836, positive.
2184, negative.
- 958...
- Don't push me!
...98, positive.
6131, negative.
7631, positive.
5128, negative.
2147, negative.
9282, negative.
No, you've made a mistake.
You've made a mistake, I...
I know! Please!
Let me go!
[ Shouting ]
All right. Let's go.
[ Shouting continues ]
Mommy.
Mommy.
Mommy?
[ Shouting ]
Thanks.
[ Match striking ]
Hello, girls. Relax.
Relax. I'm Aunt Lydia.
Are you all well?
Come on, I want you to say,
"We're very well, Aunt Lydia."
So, are you well?
Very well, Aunt Lydia.
That's great,
because you are well.
You're healthy,
you're free from infections...
and you're the only ones
whose tests are positive.
You're the lucky ones.
We're the lucky ones.
Amen.
You're going to be Handmaids.
You're going to serve God
and your country.
All right, girls.
Into the bus. Let's go.
[ Engine starts ]
How long were you in?
I'm not sure.
What'd you do,
and how'd they get you?
We tried to cross the border.
What about you?
Gender treachery.
I like girls.
Christ, they could have sent you
to the colonies.
They don't send you
to the colonies...
if your ovaries
are still jumping.
WOMAN: All right, sisters.
GUARD:
Move it.
WOMAN: Move it!
Get on that bus. Move it!
Go on, sisters.
You can't make me
break my vows!
Get on that bus. Quiet.
Don't, please!
# Oh, God from whom
all blessings flow #
# Hear us, your daughters
here below #
# They house the vessels
of the seed #
# Of those who come
to us in need #
# Remove our anger,
cleanse our will #
# And leave us empty
to refill #
Let us pray.
Oh, God, make us fruitful.
ALL:
Oh, God, make us fruitful.
Stop it! Why do you think
God made you a woman?
[ Whistle blowing ]
You can't...
Mortify my flesh
that I may be multiplied.
ALL: Mortify my flesh
that I may be multiplied.
- Amen.
- My God!
ALL: Amen.
[ Shouting ]
AUNT LYDIA:
Good night, girls.
[ Light clicks off ]
What's your name?
Kate. What's yours?
Moira.
I am Joanna.
- I'm Alice.
- I'm Stephanie.
I'm Susan.
My name is Kathleen.
I'm Cara.
I am Julie.
GIRL: Mommy.
Mommy?
Mommy!
Eat it, and you'll like it.
That's enough!
You're getting the best.
There's a war on, you know.
The air got too full once
of chemicals and radiation.
Next.
AUNT LYDIA: The rain water
swarmed with toxic molecules.
Sit.
These poisons flowed into the rivers,
crept into people.
Place your right arm
in the sleeve.
AUNT LYDIA:
The result, sterility.
Remove your arm.
Today, only one out of
a hundred women...
can still bear children,
and some women stopped.
Believing there would be
no future, they refused.
Refused to bear children!
They wouldn't even try!
They were lazy women!
They were sluts.
There is more than
one kind of freedom.
In the days of anarchy,
it was "freedom to".
Now, you're being given
"freedom from."
Don't underrate it.
[ Footsteps ]
[ Screaming ]
[ Sobbing ]
AUNT LYDIA:
I hate to punish her,
but she abused herself...
and your body is
a temple of purity.
So let that be
a lesson to you.
We know men can't help it,
but we're different.
We have self control.
Dignity.
[ Indistinct shouting ]
Remember, you're not her equal.
You're a Handmaid.
That is your role in life.
Do you understand?
Yes.
She could do you
a lot of harm.
Well, if you are chosen,
it will be a great honor.
[ Water running ]
[ Whistling ]
AUNT LYDIA: I must stress
that another incident...
of the previous nature
will not be tolerated.
But I think you'll find
this young woman satisfactory.
You may come in now.
[ Leaves rustling,
water spritzing ]
Come in.
Sit down.
[ Spritzing continues ]
Is this your first placement?
Yes, it is.
Well, here's how it works.
I see as little
of you as possible.
Understand?
But if I get trouble...
I give trouble back.
Is that clear?
Yes, ma'am.
I've read your file.
I know you're not stupid.
Do you want this job?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Don't call me "ma'am".
You're not a Martha.
You will sleep here,
in your own room...
but if the Commander goes
to the front or to the capital...
you will go back to sleep
at the Red Center.
Now, I want to ask you
one question.
Answer from your heart.
Do you want a baby?
Do you really want one?
It won't work if you
don't want one.
Do you really want
to have a baby?
Yes, I do.
We could help each other.
We could.
[ Clapping ]
Sit down.
Everybody sit, girls.
Right. Anyone.
There was date rape,
even on campus.
[ Indistinct chatter ]
It was horrible.
Name her.
Yes, your name?
Come on.
Step forward now.
What am I supposed to say?
Just tell us how it was
back then.
It was horrible.
Speak up.
I was raped when
I was fourteen by six guys...
in my high school class.
It, um...
It was at a party.
We'd all been drinking.
I thought that they
were my friends.
Then I, uh,
I had... an abortion.
[ Gasping ]
But it wasn't my fault.
My mother, she made me do it.
She wouldn't let me
have the baby.
Whose fault was it?
ALL: Her fault.
[ All repeating ]
Who led them on?
ALL: She did.
[ All repeating ]
Why did God allow
such a terrible thing to happen?
- Teach us a lesson.
- Let's hear it.
ALL: Teach us a lesson.
[ All repeating ]
What is she?
ALL: She's a whore.
ALL: [ Chanting ]
Whore!
I'm going crazy.
This is a fucking loony bin.
That's enough.
ALL: Whore!
I didn't...
I didn't mean to do it.
I led them on.
I assume the pain. I'm sorry.
Very good, Janine.
Bathroom?
[ Door creaks open ]
Is that you?
Yes.
God, do I need a cigarette.
Listen...
I have a placement.
I go tomorrow.
Oh, fuck! I'll miss you.
I'll miss you, too.
The damn wives
don't want me.
I don't know why.
Maybe I scare them.
Maybe they think I want
to touch their tits.
Maybe it's the
damn fucking husbands.
Maybe they know
I think they suck.
Jesus, Moira.
Be careful, for Christ's sake.
I don't know
what's wrong with me.
I gotta get outta here, Kate.
I gotta do something.
I'm gonna fake like I'm sick.
KATE:
Really bright. Then what?
Then there'll be two guys
in the ambulance.
They must be starved for it.
I'll suck their fucking cocks...
till they're blue in the face.
They'll do whatever I say.
You're not serious.
Yes, I am. I'm going to.
I swear to God.
KATE:
You'll never get away with it.
Don't think like that.
It's bad for business.
All right, girls.
Move along.
Hello, my name is Janine...
and I'll be your wait person
this morning.
- Let me get you...
- Janine.
Get your clothes on, Janine.
Come on.
Put your clothes on.
You're gonna get extra prayers
for the rest of us.
Kate!
Kate!
Come on!
- Janine.
- Get you some coffee.
- Hello, my name...
- OK, come on.
Hello, my name is Janine.
Good morning to you, too.
Hello, my name is Janine,
and I'll be your wait person...
Snap out of it, Janine,
snap out of it!
[ Slap ]
Look at me.
Look at me!
What'd you hit me for?
Wasn't it any good?
I can get you another one.
Look at me. I am Moira.
This is the Red Center.
Look at me!
Sorry. I'm sorry.
She does that again, and I'm
not here, slap her. Talk to her.
Don't let her get away
with that shit.
That stuff is catching.
# I'll be walking
by the river#
# With my serenity #
# Thank we,
dear God, for the river #
# And for true virginity #
# Bless us maids,
God bless us #
# Bless us with virginity #
You are going out
to fulfill your life...
for the greater glory of God.
On this day of consecration,
you would do well to remember...
by what deadly steps
you were brought here...
the folly of mankind,
and of womankind as well.
Sexual promiscuity,
widespread abortion...
birth control,
test-tube babies...
genetic engineering.
AUNT LYDIA:
Quick, get an ambulance.
PREACHER: Genetic engineering,
artificial insemination...
God, in his profound compassion,
has seen fit to punish us.
To send a plague of barrenness,
a desert of infertility.
You have been given
this precious gift.
ALL: Precious gift.
You are fertile.
You can give birth.
- Precious gift.
- You can give birth.
You can give birth
for our country.
ALL: Oh, precious gift.
May the Lord open.
ALL: May the Lord open.
Let the Handmaids ascend.
You will look neither
to the right, nor to the left.
You will remain
steadfast and true.
We pledge allegiance
to the Bible.
The Old Testament shall be our
sole and only constitution.
I pronounce you Handmaids
in the sight of God. Amen.
[ Scanner chiming ]
Blessed be the fruit.
Thanks.
She's up there.
WOMAN:
Is that her? Send her up.
Cora or Rita
will bring your meals.
There's everything you need.
Any questions?
Are you clear
about the ceremony?
About the form...
of the ceremony?
Yes, I'm clear.
As for the Commander...
he's my husband.
Fred is my husband
till death do us part.
It's one of the things
we fought for.
Your name is Offred.
Say it.
Offred.
Yes. Of-fred.
You may call me Serena...
Serena Joy.
Good.
Thank you.
[ Nails scratching glass ]
Mommy.
Mommy.
Mommy.
[ Sniffling ]
Resettlement of the
Children of Han
is continuing on schedule.
20,000 have arrived this week
in the national homeland fine,
with another 10,000 in transit.
Team of Eyes, working
with an inside informant...
has cracked an
underground espionage ring.
This ring is suspected
of smuggling healthy women...
across the border,
out of the country.
These women have been chosen
by God to fulfill His task.
They are our
most precious resource.
No defection will be tolerated.
We are weeding out the traitors.
We are weeding out the Godless.
We are winning God's fight.
COMMANDER:
Book of "Genesis," chapter 30.
"And Rachel had no children,
and Rachel said..."
"Give me children,
or else I shall die.
"Behold my maid Bilhah.
"Go in unto her...
"and she shall bear
upon my knees...
that I may also
have children by her."
"So, she gave Jacob
her maid Bilhah as a wife...
"and Jacob went into her,
and Bilhah conceived...
and bare Jacob a son."
Could I have
a glass of water, please?
We will now have
a moment of silent prayer.
We will ask for a blessing
for our endeavor.
Amen.
Amen.
[ Gasping ]
[ Grunting ]
SERENA:
Shh.
Stop it. Stop.
[ Gasping ]
SERENA:
Shh.
[ Whimpering ]
[ Crying ]
[ Groaning ]
[ Zipper being zipped ]
[ Sobbing ]
Get up and get out.
[ Sobbing ]
[ Sighing ]
[ Sobbing ]
[ Glass shattering ]
[ Water running ]
[ Gasping ]
[ Gasping ]
[ Whispering ]
Get outta there.
[ Door creaking ]
I wouldn't debase
myself like that.
Nobody's asking you to.
Anyways, they're
doing it for all of us.
Could have been me,
say I was ten years younger.
It's not that bad.
It's not what
you'd call hard work.
You're to meet your companion
at the corner.
She's called Ofglen.
Wait for her.
She takes you
to the grocery store.
Tell them fresh eggs, milk...
and a chicken, not a hen.
Tell them who it's for,
and they won't mess around.
We get the best here.
[ Engine rumbling ]
Are you Ofglen?
Yes. I'm meeting Offred.
Who are you?
I'm Offred.
Oh, I see.
Blessed be the fruit.
May the Lord open.
The war is going well, I hear.
Praise be.
I see they have oranges today.
They didn't give me
any tokens for that.
The war interferes with fruit
and vegetables from California.
Even Florida
isn't dependable anymore.
Quiet.
The rebels have blown up
some of the highways.
Tokens, please.
[ Register beeping ]
Thank you.
[ Clapping ]
She must be a very happy girl.
Praise be.
Shh.
It's all right.
What are you doing in here?
I've been looking for you.
Why?
He wants to see you
in his office.
What do you mean?
MAN: Tomorrow night...
10 p.m.
In his office.
[ Birds chirping ]
Hello, hello, hello.
Nice day, isn't it?
What happened to
the last Offred?
How do I know?
I thought you would be her.
How do I know?
But what do you think?
I don't know.
So, what are these?
Impatiens,
if they grow this year.
How's she working out?
- Who?
- The new one.
Oh, her.
Better than the last one.
Well, you don't have to
throw it up to me.
I thought we weren't
going to mention that.
If you don't like her, we can
send her back, you know that.
Who cares if I like her?
You know, I think...
she was a good choice.
Well, I want you
to be happy, Serena.
Yes.
Life is so much easier for you
when I am.
That's right.
[ Clock chiming ]
[ Knocking ]
- COMMANDER: Come in.
- [ Door buzzing ]
Hello. Come in.
You don't need the veil.
This isn't an official visit.
Lift it up.
[ Door closes ]
Why don't you take it off?
May I?
Beautiful.
What it is,
I thought it might be nice...
if we met under
less artificial conditions.
I thought I'd like to
get to know you a little.
Get to know me?
Yes.
[ Chuckling ]
How will you do that?
COMMANDER:
Well, we don't have to push it.
We could break the ice...
by playing some sort
of game, for instance.
- A game?
- Yeah.
What game?
Scrabble.
Scrabble?
Have you ever played? I mean,
have you ever played before?
- Scrabble?
- Yes,
when I was young.
With my family...
Well, what do you say?
How about it?
All right.
Good.
[ Tiles rattling ]
Here we go.
[ Tiles rattling ]
Good news from the
Appalachian Highlands...
where the Angels
of the Apocalypse,
fourth division...
are smoking out a pocket
of Baptist guerillas...
with air support
from the 21st Battalion
of the Angels of Light.
Casualties are reported high as
hand-to-hand fighting continues.
I can use my last
three letters in one go.
I've won.
You certainly have won.
Congratulations.
I think you play this game
a lot better than I do.
- Oh, no.
- No, I know you do.
Thanks.
But I knew you would.
- Why?
- Because you're a librarian.
Was.
I'll be away for a week...
at the capitol.
So don't forget me.
All clear.
You play a mean game.
[ Door closes ]
Offred!
It's so damn close in there.
Come on out.
You need a little fresh air.
Here.
Why do you think
we go through...
what we do?
You mean the ceremony?
Because a baby
would make my life whole.
You've had a child.
Yes.
A little girl.
Yes.
Do you know
what happened to her?
Do you know if she's...
I could try to find out.
I still have access
to some information.
See? We have a lot in common.
We could have
motherhood in common.
[ Nozzles spraying ]
Good luck.
[ Door closes ]
[ Indistinct announcement
over P.A. ]
- [ Clearing throat ]
- [ Scanner beeping ]
Second door on the left.
- How are we today?
- Fine.
Three months,
and nothing in the wind, huh?
You're in good shape, though.
Ripe.
I know your Commander.
He's tried twice before.
He's probably sterile.
Don't they test them?
The men?
No. They don't test them.
You get the blame,
honey, if it doesn't work.
Let me help you.
How?
The door's locked.
Nobody will come in.
They'll never know
it wasn't him.
I've helped others...
lots of women do it.
No, thanks.
I'd hate to see what
they'd do to you.
You know what could happen
if it doesn't work.
It's the wives
you have to look out for.
They don't like you girls
hanging around the house.
I mean, just imagine
what they must feel.
See, they're defeated women.
Especially Serena Joy.
She was quite a celebrity.
What do you say?
You stop right there,
or I'll scream.
It's your life.
See you next month.
AUNT: How many ceremonies
have there been?
Three.
Dates? Last month?
The sixteenth.
What about the nineteenth?
What about the twentieth?
- That's your best time.
- KATE: I know.
I guess he was busy.
You have one more month...
then you'll be up
for reassessment.
WOMAN:
Men didn't love you then.
They didn't value
what we could do.
They... they wouldn't look
at you twice...
unless you were some
kind of beauty queen.
You had to have big tits
and a little nose...
and... and even if
they did marry you...
they would knock you up
and run off with somebody else.
Now...
now you get...
more respect.
My baby's gonna grow up healthy.
Not my baby.
Our baby!
Our baby.
AUNT: [ clapping]
Put your lockers away.
Pre-natal next.
What are you doing here?
Me? What about you?
What happened?
Nothing. Guys must have been
gay or something.
[ Knocking ]
Aunt Lydia...
there's a toilet
overflowing in the john.
[ Door opens, closes ]
Don't you dare
fucking move around...
or I'll stick this thing so far
up your fucking ass...
you won't even know
what hit you.
You'll go all the way
to the moon.
Yes, you little goody two-shoes.
OK.
[ Grunting ]
That's it.
Now we take the pretty pearls...
from the pretty lady
and whose fault is it?
It's her fault,
her fault, her fault.
That's it.
Easy. Easy.
That's a good girl.
All right now.
You can fuck all your
little girls on the latrine.
Come on.
Over here, now.
Over here, huh?
Absolutely, you piece of turd.
Hurry up.
Maybe with luck they'll find you
before Christmas.
Remember I didn't kill you.
I like your panties, sweetie.
Come on!
[ Pipes squeaking ]
[ Banging ]
Go.
[ Slapping ]
[ Laughing ]
You've done it again.
You're the winner again.
Do I get a prize?
Sure do.
A surprise prize.
[ Unlocking cabinet ]
Now, what do you like?
- There's Vogue...
- [ Thudding ]
- Cosmopolitan.
- [ Thudding ]
I thought all of this stuff was
supposed to have been burned.
It was. It was bad
for people's minds.
It confused them.
It was okay for me
because I'm mature.
Come here. I got a
whole stack of them for you.
See? Just for you.
Does she know about these?
No. She wouldn't understand.
Could you do something for me?
Could you get me some...
some hand lotion?
Hand lotion?
You know, how they used to have?
My skin gets... gets very dry.
Well, what do you use normally?
I use butter. I steal pats
of butter from the food trays.
Butter. That's very clever.
Can you do it?
Yeah, I can do it.
Why not?
No, wait. Now, wait, wait, wait.
Just think about it a minute.
Uh, she might smell it on you.
She's never that close to me.
Uh, sometimes she is.
Well, I won't use it
on those nights.
[ Grunting ]
[ Gasping ]
[ Grunting ]
[ Lock buzzing, unlocks ]
Don't do that again.
Do what again?
Try to touch me like that.
Did I?
Well, I'm sorry.
It's just that, uh,
I find it, uh...
What?
Impersonal.
How long did it take you
to figure that out?
Here's your hand lotion.
She can do whatever she likes.
She could have me sent
to the colonies.
Don't you know that?
Don't do it again, please!
OK, OK.
What happened to the last one?
My predecessor?
She couldn't cut it.
Cut it?
She couldn't conceive,
could she?
Don't push your luck.
So what happened to her?
She hung herself.
[ Phone ringing ]
With what?
Where'd she get the rope?
It doesn't matter
where she got the rope.
She didn't do it with rope,
so what difference does it make?
Maybe I shouldn't
come here anymore.
Maybe you better stay there
until I tell you to go.
Yeah.
So what?
Well, what are you calling for
this time of night with that
kind of crap?
I told you once to do it.
Now just do it.
[ Indistinct radio chatter ]
[ Scanner chiming ]
Offred?
Come over here.
Sit down.
Did you find out anything?
No, not yet.
Any sign?
No. Nothing.
SERENA: Too bad.
Your time's running out.
Yes.
SERENA:
Maybe he can't.
Maybe you should...
try it another way.
What other way?
Another man.
They hang you for that.
SERENA: It's done.
Women do it frequently.
All the time, in fact.
- With doctors, you mean.
- No, no, no, no.
Doctors blackmail.
It has to be someone we trust.
Who?
I was thinking of Nick.
Did you ask him?
No, but he's been with us
a long time.
I think I could fix it with him.
And he's quite good-looking.
- What about the Commander?
- Well...
We just won't tell him, will we?
He lives above the garage.
He's expecting you.
No one will see you.
[ Knocking ]
Come in.
Have you come to do your duty
for the fatherland?
Yep.
[ Chuckling ]
[ Chuckling ]
Boss' wife was real ladylike.
She said,
"I want you to fuck her, Nick.
I want you to
give her the works."
I said, "Yes, ma'am.
Anything you say, ma'am."
I could always squirt it
into a bottle...
and you could just pour it in.
[ Moaning ]
[ Sighing ]
[ Moaning ]
[ Moaning ]
# Amazing grace #
# How sweet the sound #
# That saved a wretch #
# Like me #
# I once was lost #
# But now I'm found #
# Was blind #
- # But now #
- [ Moaning ]
# I see #
[ Passionate moaning ]
[ Sighing ]
Jesus.
I have to go.
My name is Kate.
Kate.
You have to go.
[ Door opening ]
[ Door closing ]
- [ Moaning ]
- [ Door opening ]
WOMAN:
Blessed be the fruit.
- Morning.
- Blessed be the fruit.
Eat it. It's full of vitamins,
good for you.
It's a beautiful day, isn't it?
[ Scoffs ]
Maybe not.
SERENA:
Offred?
[ Door closes ]
Your daughter is alive.
I believe this is she.
[ Gasping ]
Where is she?
She's in good hands,
with people who are fit.
When can I see her?
That's impossible.
Impossible?
What do you mean?
She's my baby.
I'm her mother.
She wouldn't know you.
Wait.
What's happened to her?
She hasn't been harmed
in any way.
She's dearly loved.
How long have you known?
- Why didn't you tell me?
- I wasn't sure.
How could you
keep it from me?
I wasn't sure whether it would
be good for you to know.
How is she?
She's fine.
You mustn't worry.
[ Door opening ]
[ Door closing ]
KATE:
My daughter is alive.
NICK:
How do you know she's alive?
She showed me a picture.
[ Sighing ]
I don't know what to do.
I can't stand it.
I have to see her.
Kate.
Kate, you must realize that
they'll never let you see her.
No!
- Kate, they will never...
- No!
- [ Slapping ]
- Kate!
[ Sobbing ]
She's alive.
- My baby is alive.
- Shh.
It's all right.
Offred, the birth mobile.
Hurry!
Oh, and may it go well.
- Who is it?
- It's Ofwarren.
Isn't it exciting?
Isn't it wonderful?
And breathe.
Just relax.
Breathe. Deeply. Deep.
Breathe through the nose,
out through the mouth. Breathe.
[ Panting ]
[ Gasping ]
Pant.
[ Panting ]
Well, tell her to hurry up,
for Christ's sake.
- We haven't got all night.
- Maybe it's stuck.
Listen, I know these girls
from way back.
I tell you, they're tramps,
all of 'em.
They've spiked it.
It's a special day.
Are you all right?
What? Oh, yes.
Are you sure?
I have a daughter
living with people like these.
Suck it.
Good. That's it. Just relax.
That's it.
Just relax.
[ Indistinct conversations ]
Quick, quick now.
It could be any time.
It could be any time now.
- Hurry. Hurry.
- It's coming!
[ Panting ]
Take a deep breath in
and let it go.
Deep breath in and push.
Come on.
Hold it. Hold it. Hold it.
Hold it. Hold it.
Quick breath in.
[ Gasping ]
And again. Quick breath
and hold it. Push down.
You can do it. That's it.
And quick breath in again.
And push down one more time.
[ Grunting ]
Good, good.
Push a little more,
little more, little more...
WOMAN: Stop pushing!
MIDWIFE:
Now give it a good push!
- [ Grunting ]
- [ Indistinct chatter ]
There you go.
That's it.
- [ Baby crying ]
- [ Panting ]
[ Applause ]
I'd say she looks utterly
and completely radiant.
What is it?
It's a lovely little girl.
That's what I've
always wanted... always.
Congratulations.
Oh, thank you, my dear.
[ Grunting ]
Oh, come on, now.
You shouldn't be walking.
I want to go home.
I know.
That's a girl.
What was it?
[ Clapping ]
Hurry up, girls. Let's go.
You're not alone.
Do you understand?
I'm with you.
There are many of us.
Watch your Commander. Study him.
Get to know
everything about him, OK?
[ Indistinct conversations ]
Get on with it.
- You know what you are?
- What?
- You're a mystery.
- Me?
I don't know anything about you.
There's no mystery about me.
I'm just an
ordinary guy, really.
What do you do, exactly?
Well, for one thing,
too much damn paperwork.
I used to be...
I used to be in
market research...
then I branched out, you know,
became sort of a scientist.
Then the guys
made their move and...
asked me to go in with them.
So, I liked most of the
things they wanted to do...
so that was it... period.
Why?
- Why?
- Mm-hmm.
Country was in a mess,
that's why... a total mess.
All the garbage had
kind of risen to the top.
You know, we had all these
pressure groups...
running the store,
trying to dictate to us.
Blacks, homos, you know...
all those people on welfare.
Women.
COMMANDER:
Yes, siree, women.
So we had to clean it up.
We took out a big hose
and washed the place clean.
I had a family and a job
I was good at.
I didn't need cleaning up.
I don't mean you.
All right, let me explain
something to you.
I'm not talking about you,
I'm talking about the country.
The country was crazy.
I mean, nobody felt anything,
men or women.
All they had was, like...
how can I put it?
Like... itches.
Sex itches, money itches,
power itches.
But that's not enough.
There was no common purpose.
Nothing to believe in,
nothing to fight for.
Nobody really knew
how to feel anything anymore.
Do they feel now?
I think they do, yes. They do.
What?
Well, respect, reverence...
values that the average
person can feel right here...
and, in your case, here.
[ Chuckling ]
Beautiful.
So, what do you think?
Why didn't you say something?
I don't think.
MAN ON P.A.:
Women's salvaging today at 3:45.
Male particicution at 4:00.
Admittance is for all females...
[ Indistinct conversations ]
MAN ON P.A.:
Women's salvaging today at 3:45.
Male particicution at 4:00.
Admittance is for all females,
including...
[ Drums playing, singing ]
AUNT LYDIA:
Amen.
We are here today
in the name of duty...
and sometimes duty
is a hard taskmaster.
This woman, whom we all
knew as a Handmaid...
has been found guilty
of seduction and fornication...
with a member
of the medical staff.
[ Humming ]
Why does God demand her death?
ALL:
For her sins!
For her sins!
For her sins!
[ Metallic clattering ]
[ Choking ]
[ Cheering ]
AUNT LYDIA:
Order, order!
You may form a circle.
Orderly, orderly.
This man has been convicted
of the rape of a Handmaid.
Deuteronomy 25.
"If the man forces her
and lies with her...
then the man that lay
with her shall die."
This crime took place
at gunpoint.
[ Screaming ]
AUNT LYDIA:
The Handmaid was pregnant.
The baby died!
[ Screaming ]
[ Clamoring ]
He was no rapist.
He was a political.
One of our best men.
[ Crying ]
Hi. How are you doing?
Have a nice day.
Have a nice day.
Have a nice day.
These prayers can be ordered by
compuphone...
or right here in this store.
So, you're seeing him alone?
- Who?
- Your commander.
How do you know that?
We just know.
What does he want? Kinky sex?
No. Not exactly.
He's at the top.
He's in charge of security
for the whole state.
He's a real bastard.
[ Explosion ]
[ Tires squealing ]
[ Gunfire ]
We may want you to kill him.
Keep down!
[ Keys typing, beeping ]
Yeah. We'll be there
within 20 minutes.
[ Lock buzzing, unlocks ]
COMMANDER:
We'll be there.
Aha! Come in.
Now, I have a nice little
surprise for you tonight...
something that you're
gonna like a whole lot.
What is it, chinese checkers?
[ Chuckling ]
No. Better.
A boa... for you.
Now... And also
a dress... for you.
I hope to heaven it fits.
- You want me to wear this?
- Yep.
I'm taking you out.
[ Door opening ]
You look fantastic.
Fantastic is right.
COMMANDER: Devastating.
[ Door opening ]
[ Doors closing ]
[ Engine revving ]
We're coming to
a checkpoint, sir.
I'm sorry. You're going to have
to get down on the floor
for a few minutes.
There are no wives allowed
where we're going.
Just for a minute. Sorry.
[ Doors opening ]
[ Doors closing ]
[ Door closing ]
- Oh, Nick, could you come here?
- Yes, sir.
You won't be needing
that in here...
so let Nick take the cloak.
Kind of like walking
into the past, don't you think?
Good to see you here.
How you doing, Dick?
Good to see you.
This here's Mary Lou.
She's new here.
- Mary Lou, how you doin'?
- Fine.
Good, good, good.
So you're new here, huh?
Oh, you're gonna love it here,
Mary Lou.
Everybody has fun here.
Everybody really has fun.
My friend.
I thought all this kind of thing
was strictly forbidden.
It is officially,
but, you know...
- Good evening, Commander.
- Good evening.
Now...
you can have one drink.
What do you want?
I haven't had a drink in years.
Well, have one now.
What'll it be?
Um...
- Vodka tonic?
- OK. Vodka and tonic.
Bring me a bottle of scotch.
[ Laughing ]
What do you think?
Who are these people?
Well, we have, you know,
staff officers from the front...
allies, trade delegation...
I mean, it's a good place to
meet people and stimulate trade.
You know, things like that.
No. I meant the women.
- The women?
- Mm-hmm.
Who are the women?
The women. Well, they're like,
uh, real working pros...
you know, from the time before.
The others?
We have quite a collection.
For instance, now, the one in
the green gloves over there?
She's a sociologist... or was.
This one was a lawyer.
We have business executives,
schoolteachers... you name it.
We got everybody here.
But they prefer it here, see?
Believe me.
Prefer it to what?
To the alternatives.
Sorry to bother you, sir.
You have a phone call.
All right. Thank you.
[ No audible dialogue ]
Yes, sir.
Right, sir. Uh-huh. Yes.
Yes, sir. In God we trust.
Get the field commander
and put him on hold.
You look like
the whore of Babylon.
Well, I asked them to get me
something classy
from Saks Fifth Avenue,
but you know
what the mail's like these days.
I do.
Don't do that. Your eyes'll run.
Anyway, there's no time.
Paige, could you please
leave just for a minute?
Sit. Sit.
So, why are you here?
What did you do?
Why did they send you in?
Did you laugh at the
wrong dick or something?
I'm an evening rental.
He smuggled me in for the night.
So, how are you?
I thought that
I'd never see you again.
So, what happened to you?
They caught me at the border.
Somebody must've got cold feet
or something. It's too bad.
Took me fucking ages
to get there
with a lot of people
risking their necks.
I had some sweet guy who hid me
in his kid's room for a month
just hanging on the wall,
and I think, for what?
Christ, I didn't even have
the decency to escape.
So, what did they do to you?
They worked me over a little.
They showed me a movie
about the colonies.
You know, those fucking toxic dumps
with all the dead bodies and shit?
They say you have
one year maximum there...
before your goddamn
nose falls off.
So, they stuck something
up my ass and told me I had
two alternatives...
the colonies or here,
so I said here.
So here you are.
So here I am.
It's not so bad, really.
You get free face cream here.
Free booze, free drugs,
you only work nights.
Oh, shit.
It's not bad, really.
Actually, there's all
these women around. I love it.
Do they let you?
They don't care who you fuck.
Do you know what they
call this place? Jezebel's.
WOMAN ON P.A.:
All girls back on the floor.
All girls back on the floor.
Give me your hand.
Come on, give it to me.
Yes, they did that, too.
You remember... hands and feet
we don't need for our purposes.
WOMAN ON P.A.:
All girls back on the floor.
Back on the floor, girls.
You're such a goddamn wimp.
What am I gonna do with you?
WOMAN ON P.A.:
All girls back on the floor.
Oh, Moira.
Come on. Time's up.
WOMAN ON P.A.:
All girls back on the floor.
[ Indistinct conversations ]
I guess I'm lucky.
Lucky ducky.
Better a lucky ducky
than a dead ducky.
You're a good woman.
There's a nice room in here.
I think you'll like it.
[ Door opening ]
- [Door closing]
- COMMANDER: Nick's a good guy.
He's like a son to me.
[ Dog barking ]
[ Door closing ]
[ Door opening ]
[ Kissing ]
Good night.
Here, sir.
Shall I take that, sir?
[ Door opening ]
[ Door closing ]
So...
what was it like?
Huh?
I said, what was it like?
Did the earth move?
What the fuck do you think
it was like?
Well, how the fuck
should I know?
For God's sake...
what did you want me to do,
spit in his face
and end up shoveling shit
in the goddamn colonies?
Do you think
we'll ever get out?
Nick, it's happened.
What's happened?
I'm going to have a baby.
He'll love you to death.
So will she.
Come on.
You know it's yours...
and I won't let them get it.
You want to get out.
Could we get out together?
Maybe.
We have to.
Maybe.
[ Knife blade locking ]
I found it,
but I don't know
what I could do if I...
- Where's Ofglen?
- I am Ofglen.
[ Engine rumbling ]
[ Gunfire]
[ Indistinct reporting]
I trusted you.
I tried to help you.
Look, my cloak.
Used for a hooker!
We had an agreement.
Just like the other one.
A little whore.
I'm sorry.
Go to your room.
COMMANDER:
Correct, yes, sir.
Uh, we've got most of
the Mayday gang now,
and that includes the leader,
a very dangerous man.
This is a definite breakthrough
for our security forces...
and, as I would say,
this is a comparatively
stable situation
here in this state.
But let me add that we intend to rid
the whole country of these vermin.
And we'll do it without mercy.
[ Clock ticking ]
[ Door opening ]
It's dark in here.
Don't you want the light on?
KATE: No, thanks.
Here's your supper.
Thanks, Rita.
Bless you, dear.
Bless you.
[ Doors closing ]
- Good night, Nick.
- Good night.
[ Car starting ]
[ Engine rumbling ]
[ Door opening, closing ]
[ Clock chiming ]
[ Keypad code pressed,
door unlocks ]
What is it? I...
I could've fired this thing.
[ Chuckling nervously ]
I didn't send for you.
Uh, what is it?
You've got to help me.
I'm sorry.
It's out of my hands.
Did you tell her?
[ Sighing ]
Well...
She found this.
So what could I do?
She gave me hell.
She gave me all kinds of grief.
Boy, it's unfortunate,
the whole thing. It really is.
I'm sorry...
very, very sorry.
You better go to
your room now.
Yeah.
You have a lot of things
on your mind.
Yeah, I have.
You've always meant a lot to me.
You really have.
You kept me going.
Just the thought of you...
coming here at night,
caring for me,
fixing my drink,
being by my side...
I mean, it kept me going.
And I thank you for that.
And I'll never forget it.
[ Gasping ]
[ Struggling ]
[ Gasping ]
[ Panting ]
[ Engine rumbling ]
- What's going on?
- She's under arrest.
I didn't call for you.
Ma'am, the Commander.
Get her out of here.
You fucking bastard!
[ Slapping ]
You bastard!
You bastard!
[ Grunting ]
Go with it. Trust me.
It's Mayday.
[ Engine starts,
doors closing ]
[ Engine revving ]
[ Wailing ]
[ Crashing ]
- You all right, Kate?
- I guess.
Get rid of that dress.
Take it off.
Take the next right, go to the
railroad site.
Give me your hand.
[ Metallic snipping ]
[ Panting ]
This way.
- Why didn't you tell me?
- It was too dangerous.
Kate, these men are going
to take you to a safe place.
Now, they'll take care of you,
I promise.
You're not coming with me?
I can't.
I have to stay.
But what about my daughter?
I have to find her.
MAN:
Nick. We gotta go, Nick.
Now, Kate,
I can't promise you anything,
but I will send you word
as soon as I know.
Now listen to me.
You gotta go now.
No, I can't.
I want to go with you.
Don't leave me.
Please don't leave me.
Kate, you can't come with me.
You know you can't come with me.
It's not possible.
Our baby.
- MAN: Nick, come on!
- I'll find you.
[ Explosion ]
Come on, Nick!
Come on!
I'll find you.
[ Explosion ]
REPORTER:
A twenty-four-hour curfew
has been imposed on the city.
Our armed forces are using
heavy rocketing and strafing
to drive the Mayday terrorists
out of their stronghold.
According to government sources,
they are totally isolated
from the overwhelming
majority of our population
and their defeat
will be final within hours.
A state memorial service
will be held to honor the late
Commander's fighting spirit
as it was documented
in a statement just hours
before he was killed
in such a hideous
and cowardly way.
We're gonna win.
We have the force.
We have the faith.
And we will not rest until
we've purified this country,
this nation,
in the name of God.
SOLDIER:
Come on out with your hands up!
REPORTER: As house-to-house
searches continue,
the acting State Commander
has put all forces on alert
to find the assassin.
He said, "She will not escape,
nor will her accomplices.
"We will search for them.
We will find them.
We will hang them."
KATE: I don't know if this
is the end for me
or a new beginning
but I'm safe here
in the mountains
held by the rebels.
They bring me food,
and sometimes
a message from Nick.
And so I wait.
I wait for my baby to be
born into a different world.
I still dream about Jill...
about them telling her
I don't exist...
or that I never existed.
But I know
we're going to find her.
She will remember me.