8.1
Where can I stream The Handmaiden legally?
The Handmaiden is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Handmaiden fingerprint
Masterful craft, stunning style, a touch of humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Spectacle7
- Violence6
Heart
Romantic and cathartic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Romance8
- Catharsis8
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Satire & Parody4
- Dark Humor3
World
History, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion10
- Rewatchability10
- Novelty9
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Narrative Structure10
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Editing9
- Visual Stylization9
Energy
HighNerve-racking and spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Handmaiden is nerve-racking and spectacular. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighRomantic and cathartic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's romantic, cathartic, and moving. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
World
HighHistory, mystery, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, mystery, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability10Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure10Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue10Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative10Time-shifts and structure play.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Meta Narrative3Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Pastiche6Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
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About
You're the one being tricked.
1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl, Sook-hee, is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, Hideko, who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering Uncle Kouzuki. But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count to help him seduce the Lady to steal her fortune.
Erotic Psychological ThrillerNon-Linear Narrative PuzzleColonial Era Gothic RomanceVisually OpulentDeceptive Love StoryFemale Agency & SubversionCunning Con-ArtistsStylized Period DramaHigh-Tension SuspenseMasterful Cinematography
Actors
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Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Handmaiden
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Handmaiden worth watching?
87
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 88/100 (IMDb 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, and Metacritic 85). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Handmaiden rated?
RSexual contentNudityViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content, nudity, violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language.
How long is The Handmaiden?
2 h 25 min
The Handmaiden runs 2 h 25 min.
Is The Handmaiden based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Handmaiden?
Critics91
Audiences86
Yes. Critics average 91 and audiences 86 out of 100, so both groups see The Handmaiden much the same way.
Was The Handmaiden a box office hit?
Budget$9 million
Box office$39 million
Yes. It cost about $9 million to make and earned $39 million worldwide, 4.5 times its budget.
What language is The Handmaiden in?
KoreanJapanese
It was made in Korean, with some Japanese. Produced in South Korea.
In how many countries can I watch The Handmaiden?
130
+116
+116GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Handmaiden in 130 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Handmaiden use?
Defrosting Ice QueenGive Me Back My WalletMale GazeEating the Eye CandyOnce More, with ClarityP.O.V. CamMouth-to-Mouth Force-FeedingThanatos GambitTainted TobaccoGo Among Mad PeoplePractice KissCharacter Developmentand 134 more
TV Tropes lists 146 storytelling tropes for The Handmaiden, including Defrosting Ice Queen, Give Me Back My Wallet, Male Gaze.