THE HANDMAID'S TALE Q&A with Elizabeth Moss, O-T Fagbenle and Yvonne Strahovski | TIFF 2022

The team behind THE HANDMAID'S TALE in conversation with TIFF in advance of its premiere at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. TIFF presents the first two episodes of season five of the acclaimed Margaret Atwood adaptation, which has become progressively more eerie as the battle for reproductive rights wages across North America.
The 47th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 8 to 18, 2022. For more, visit tiff.net.
In 1985, Canadian literary icon- and possibe clairvoyant - Margaret Atwood wrote The Handmaid’s Tale. The novel introduced the world to the Republic of Gilead, a treacherous, patriarchal state ruled by theocratic law, where fertile women (handmaids) are assigned to a ruling class of men (commanders) to produce children, without choice or control over their own bodies. Thirty-two years later, show creator Bruce Miller (Everwood, Medium, Eureka) adapted Atwood’s “dystopian” novel into a series, the same year an accused sexual predator was sworn in as US president, courageous silence-breakers galvanized the #MeToo movement, and a divided nation saw hard-won civil rights begin to erode. Art was imitating life in a heartbreaking way, yet guiding audiences through the chaos was June Osborne, a multidimensional heroine played brilliantly by Elisabeth Moss. In its first four seasons, The Handmaid’s Tale would prove to be a commercial and critical success, cracking the top of the Nielson List and receiving an astounding 75 Emmy nominations, with 15 wins to date. Each season found ways to respond to the politics of the time, increasing the show’s cultural significance. By the end of season four, June, with the help of her fellow handmaids and the Canadian government, finally took revenge on Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes), her first commander and assailant. It was a season finale of celebration for audiences searching for relief and redemption. The feeling is short-lived, as questions remain unanswered. “Does everything taste better when Fred is dead?” Will Serena Joy Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski) respond? And can June and Luke Bankole (O-T Fagbenle) get their daughter Hannah (Jordana Blake) back? One thing is certain: with the US Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade, and as many as 14 states banning abortion outright, the fight for reproductive rights and bodily autonomy will continue to unfold in Gilead and the United States simultaneously. GEOFF MACNAUGHTON
Elisabeth Moss is from Los Angeles. Her many acting roles include the television series The West Wing (99-06), Mad Men (07-15), and Top of the Lake (13, 17), and the Festival selections High-Rise (15), The Square (17), and Her Smell (18). She is a director, producer, and star of The Handmaid’s Tale (17-).

[@carterobrien2958]

I just finished watching the end of the 5th season and AM ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE 6th and FINAL SEASON. I Am 93 years old so don't make me wait very long......you never know I might not make it before it is time for me to go

[@carolinebemmhribar7410]

I thought season 5 wasn't over yet?

[@angiecabonilas8679]

Jsut so u know there more episodes lol

[@tonihansen1194]

2 more episodes left and bummed it’ll be over until we have to wait until season 6 comes back on

[@kathleenvrankovic430]

How gorgeous I hope you live another 20 years! I love the show as well💯

[@brandieteegarden7514]

When is season 6 coming ?? Not even a teaser trailer ???

[@popy1869]

This is one of the series that never got me bored, I was always on the edge of my seat, crying, amazed, excited and angry, every single episode and season is AMAZING!

[@cinzia4755]

I agree!!!❤

[@heatherconn1081]

Couldn't Agree More, Absolute Masterpiece imo👌✅️🫶🏼

[@4given634]

Every single one of these actors are spectacular. They picked the perfect actors to play each character.

[@joywhite9144]

They are really good actors as they are all gender inverted

[@Theblazedgoddess]

@@joywhite9144 what do you mean by that

[@70sladyalways25]

The Handmaid’s Tale ranks up there with one of the most fascinating and chilling series that I’ve ever watched. Excellent acting and I can’t wait for Season 6!

[@hallefranklin2646]

I just want Nick and June to be together 😭😭

[@swissg3602]

Good grief. Max Minghella always leaves me mesmerized. 😅🔥😍

[@delores221]

I can't believe season six is it!! Too good of a show to end!

[@carriebizz]

I know but I hope it finishes with Hannah being free

[@ranmakuro]

@@carriebizz This is the overall plot. Mother's love even crushing down the most horrifying government to get her child back. It's pretty simple and nothing new in case of storytelling. But - as it is a distopy - there is a chance things will turn out horrible for all the characters we learnt to love just to acknowledge that life is not always about winning.

[@kb2007xox]

Really, the last 2 seasons were so drawn out. They could have ended it easily in season 3.

[@estoyjugandoa]

It's the last season? Confirmed?

[@JuleWeidenfeld]

For me, the true sign of a brilliant production is when, after watching it, I am so moved mentally, physically or emotionally that I have to sit in silence afterwards to process and decompress. The Handmaid’s Tale does this to me after every episode, especially Season 5 ! The struggle is REAL! Thank you to the entire cast and crew! 🙏🏼 and to TIFF for posting this video.

[@70sladyalways25]

Perfect summation!

[@choosejoy93]

I agree completely! I sit dumbfounded and angry and fascinated and so many emotions. It gets me thinking. Season 6 can't get here quick enough!!

[@lesleywright2823]

Elizabeth is brilliant in anything she does, fantastic actress as are all who are in this amazing series, sooooo good love love love ♥️

[@christinachurch6126]

I am waiting impatiently for season 6 😂 This is the best series I have ever seen. Elizabeth Moss is absolutely amazing, and very talented.

[@markguynn7254]

Elizabeth captures that dynamic so deeply . I , as a psychotherapist , yearn for June to find that empathy for herself . In the second episode , she was validated for her insanity and June’s eyes lit up and she appeared at peace for a moment!

[@rayajayce2034]

Insanity? After the extreme level of of trauma she has repeatedly gone through? It would be more reasonable to question her sanity if she DIDN'T respond in some extreme way when she saw that justice would be denied her. Its always "amusing" when doctors, educated for years in their respective fields, communicate in such a way that let's you know they have absolutely no personal experience in their area of "expertise." Tragic.

[@ReinaLovesLaw]

@Raya I come in peace :) I'm just trying to understand why Mark's comment seemed bothersome to you. It appears (to me) he is absolutely validating the effects of June's trauma/associated struggles in a very compassionate way. The clinical definition of insanity is merely to be in a state of extreme mental illness. I get those not in the field might hear the world negatively but it's more just a descriptor/state of being to us in the field. The writers have done a wonderful job of bringing to light the reality of PTSD and her evolving trauma. I was a victim of significant violent crime as an adult and multilayered abuse as a child in the worst way you can imagine. I got into this field to give back to other victims. While I respect your perception/experience (?) with doctors not understanding trauma firsthand, I can tell you that most of my colleagues have gone through horrific experiences not only in their past, but face unique micro traumas everyday specific to our field. People go into psych often because of their own baggage or family history. While I'm still working on my PhD, I'm around enough psych's to confidently say I think what you might be interpreting is just a compartmentalized, occupational lingo that makes us seem clinical and cold. The reality is that's our "game face" and how we survive this, you have to find a way to "turn it off" or you'll be in crisis along with your clients. You can't imagine the horrible things we hear each day. It's a heavy cross to bear. I could be wrong but I think Mark is being far more human and compassionate toward June than you read at first glance :) Best to you both. 💖

[@Makeadifference2025-b7h]

@@ReinaLovesLaw I love your explanation! I was thinking the same thing when I read Mark's interpretation. Although I am not in the field, I have had therapy at different points in my life due to childhood trauma as well. Thank you for your insight! 🥰

[@nicolefrances.c]

@@ReinaLovesLaw I didn’t get offended or react based on emotion from Mark’s comment because he was not invalidating june or being cruel. Thank you for explaining this.. because I get irritated easily and I probably would have said something rude to her for snapping about it.

[@sonjaduncan2028]

I love love love Elizabeth Moss' original voice omg ❤❤❤ been watching the series in german so far but may change that now 🎉

[@c.oriordan3602]

This show is the most anxiety inducing program I have ever watched. That is the sign of good programming.

[@dwe2a]

The depths of talents & these beautiful humans in incredible. To literally DESPISE a character with such intensity but love them outside of that role is proof they have done the work. This show has been a shocking dystopian portrayal of exactly what society seems to be approaching. It's truly frightening to witness some of the parallels that only gotten worse as the show progresses.

[@PsychicRani]

This show just gets better and better. Heart pounding 💓 June is getting her mojo back.

[@malcolmclarke3033]

I don't normally watch these q and a panels but this one was fantastic. I love the humility and desire of everyone to make sure that people behind the scenes are encouraged. This is such a work of art, as were the books. From a viewer, thank you all so much.

[@rouge6200]

Yvonne is glorious. Love her personality and her acting.

[@pinkchaos.]

Love the show, love all the actors/actresses ❤️ wish Ann Dowd were here too ❤️

[@ellebeeblue]

Ann Dowd is the most incredible actor. I just adore her!

[@dabailey1000]

Their accents seem so strange and seeing them in “street clothes “🤣 each and every one play their character so well.

[@laurajelks8002]

I have Alwayssss love Elizabeth so much. Down to her old movies all the way back to The Attic in 2007. Her role in The Handmaid's Tale has had me captivated from the very start and she still blows my mind. Love this woman so much. She is the only actress who has been able to make me cry from a scene. Numerous times. Especially, when she is able to see Hannah again for the first time in a very long time and Hannah is taking away from her. The emotion she had and the way she cried broke my heart into so many pieces. I have a little girl who is mixed and it just reminded me of her and if I was ever in that situation I don't know if I could get through it. Her character in the show is so strong and powerful.

[@mycatsnameiskaren8253]

They are all so humble. It makes me love this show even more. Bravo!

[@lgravelle4182]

Such a class act cast!! Bravo! I love them all. They're such a wonderfully, exceptionally talented bunch of humans. Took me a lot of prodding to watch this show. And it'll forever be one of my ultimate favourite experiences! Thank you. Merci beaucoup

[@josephrapp]

My absolute favourite series;I adore Elizabeth/June. Astounding skills by all and the storyline is also spectacular. Hate waiting for many more months till 6. I will put off watching last episode,as I will dread it's end.

[@Aztecbeauty]

The way Rita explains trauma is beautiful

[@carrieallen2047]

I just started watching a few weeks ago and I'm all caught up! Such an awesome show! Love when June gets that look in her eyes you know it's going down!

[@twist18x]

I always watch the episodes twice. A lot to process and find something I missed the second time.

[@mariposa1933]

Lizzy Moss is just a gem. 🙏❤️

[@MiraSthira]

This is my favorite show right now! I can’t wait for the next episodes!

[@markguynn7254]

Trauma : when human beings undergo irrational experiences and they respond with irrational responses to these experiences , is rational . If we remember this , then our patience , compassion and empathy for ourselves or those who have experienced trauma will expand and grow !

[@rayajayce2034]

You may want to work on organizing your responses- creating comment threads instead of posting individual random ones which can even be viewed as conflicting with one another. For instance, I agree with what you wrote here but didn't realize at first that a prior comment I responded to was written by you as well. The prior comment labeled the main character as "insane" which seems unprofessional for a psychotherapist/not accurate to the actual big picture.

[@marieb1220]

I binged the whole series in 2 weeks. I dont want to wait for season 6 :(

[@Michelle-iz5bh]

Margaret Atwood was less predictive rather she said in the book that all the things had or were already happening in the world, love this series ❤

[@SellsFlorida]

What good acting from all of them. This series was just amazing I cannot wait for season 6. It made me cry and smile for the ones who were able to cross the boarder to Canada and finally start a new life. Nick is so adorable.❤

[@Iovy656]

One of the greatest shows of all time

[@jeanettesmith765]

I signed up for Hulu for the World Series and wound up watching The Handmaid's Tale instead of cancelling. It was an amazing (and addictive) experience, and I cannot wait for season 6!

[@annalo2152]

I love her in yellow. She's one of my favorite actresses. I had no clue she directed

[@patriciawalport3382]

I love this show please don't stop making episodes 🙂

[@michelleharris2173]

I have binge watched from the 1st episode .Half way through series 3.Compelling

[@ginismoja2459]

It's interesting to hear the actors who play Serena, Nick, and Luke speak English without an accent.

[@claretreleaven1958]

Absulutely amazing !!!! Bravo crew , writers , directors . I dont want it to end!!!!

[@givemeahappyending]

The ending of the finale was spectacular! It’s exactly what I’ve been hoping for, ever since Serena let Nicole go. Season 6 can’t get here soon enough. I wish that the HT team would work w/Hulu to make the final season’s episodes much longer than they normally are, like what the Duffer Bros and Netflix did with season 4 of Stranger Things. I’d even pay for ad-free Hulu if they’d do that.

[@SellsFlorida]

Elizabeth was awesome in Madmen but in Handsmaid she did an outstanding job. That is definitely good acting.

[@yamilkanunez3231]

I have enjoyed this story so so much! Excellent performances! Love you all! ❤❤❤

[@olha_levytska]

Oh! I didn't recognize "Rita". She's amazing!

[@angiew2324]

I didn't think I'd like this show with how often it's (incorrectly) used to describe the current US after the overturning of Roe, but I finally broke down & ended up binge watching the entire 5 seasons. I'm so glad I did, it's so good! I can't wait for season 6...and then, _The Testaments!_

[@fashionismypassiongirl660]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️obsessed with the show! Excellent job, everyone! 😁👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Thank you.

[@harrybull3121]

This whole cast and crew - outstanding!

[@alejandrotomas9724]

im in love w this tv show ♥ briliant

[@twistknit1]

This was great! I would have loved if Ann and Madeline were there to discuss their Aunt Lydia and Janine relationship.

[@bubzdotcom]

YESSSS THIS THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME AFLOAT

[@adamanderson6050]

fantastic story lines - so well acted. well done to all.

[@trishab6220]

Elizabeth Moss, is just such a good actress, watch Top of the Lake, when she was first starting out! Its just as good, however different.

[@65g4]

I agree she was great in that show but she wasnt just starting out. Are you not aware of Mad Men that was in 2007 years before Top Of The Lake and she was a child star well before also in The West Wing as well. Im not being mean im just informing you shes been around for a long time.

[@justlina2769]

@@65g4 Loved her in Mad Men

[@trishab6220]

@@65g4 Oh ok my mistake.

[@PanarchyInTheUK]

I just watched the penultimate episode of season 5 last night and I don't want it to end! Eek! I am in awe of this show. Eagerly awaiting season 6 next year.

[@ohreallyeliza]

All I want to know is Serena's baby, Noah, fathered by Tuello and not Waterford. Those two have chemistry and something happened between them before they were separated.

[@DyieshaDyme]

They never gave any inclination they slept together. Tuello said it’s Fred’s

[@Kerri-AnnLoves2Craft]

The best show I have ever seen

[@DocOrtmeyer]

OMG NOW I KNOW HOW I REMEMBER LIZ !!!!! THE West wing!!!! How did I go 4 seasons without that 😂

[@eduardotorres3457]

LOVE LOVE the handmaid's> I have suffered so muchhh. Cried every episode from the beginning to the end. Now I hate men hahahahaha

[@Phlowermom]

You know what is really upsetting for me right now? That my adult daughter doesn't 'get' why I want her to watch this show. Her ignorance frightens me.

[@Aztecbeauty]

Love this show

[@sunnybearbuds]

I just want to meet Olatunde just once...omg what a lovely, very lovely man!

[@itsakittyting]

June belongs with Nick so I hope they end up together or else I will be extremely disappointed. Season 5 was F I R E🔥🔥🔥

[@ingeborgswieten3710]

one more episode from 5.. and i hear there is a 6th and 7th??? Oh praise be! 🙂 excellent acting.. the gilead gvt is coming, half of it is already here..but no offreds here yet ..

[@lynndenault4212]

Bradley!!!!!! Love him

[@worldwideadventurer2987]

I’m crushing on Elizabeth Moss after binge watching The Handmaid’s Tale 😍🫠

[@lucyavarda1742]

Yvonne didn't get a round of applause and seemed not to want to answer questions afterwards. I love Yvonne!

[@JohnSmith-bn7bl]

i love Yvonne too. the whole cast is brilliant, enjoying this season so far...

[@noodlen.9779]

She doesn't seem too smart

[@lucyavarda1742]

@@noodlen.9779 I think she just doesn't like answering questions on the spot

[@Dizikolik3]

@@noodlen.9779 She is trying to avoid spoilers...which is incredibly hard to do when you are the main vilian of the show and literally can't tell anything about it. She did a pretty decent job in hinting the change of the 'relationship' between June and Serena if you look at it now

[@Alex-xh2tb]

⁠@@noodlen.9779 She just doesn’t seem to be fond of babbling in the crowd. She is smart at what she is doing. Serena is not a likable character but she crafted it to be interesting and thrilling to watch (no offense) with this limited screen time.

[@liberinifabio6601]

Yvonne is amazing

[@lucielou7745]

Hold up.. how did I as an Australian, not know that Serena is an Australian!!???

[@sweetvonbettie1]

Great and complicated show!

[@penny1009]

I can't wait for season 6.

[@noneofyourbusiness1142]

A bit late to the show...just binge watched the series!! Oy! I can hardly stand the wait, but I must. I'm surprised by the actors accents!!!!

[@cyrellroberson9698]

Oh Rita (Amanda Burgel) is so fab!

[@mariaashley87]

I love this show.

[@nlamb76]

12:42 Love what Amanda says..

[@Dogdaddy5560]

I love the HT and there is no doubt Elizabeth Moss is a very talented actress and director. I think however that her character might benefit being directed by someone else who could bring a more nuanced version of the raw emotion displayed by June. I think the plot could be better served by dropping some of the many lengthy closeups of June’s tortured facial expressions. I watch with others who have similar thoughts.

[@bigalxyz]

I had the exact same thought myself. It bugs me just a tiny bit (I still think it’s a tremendous programme though).

[@JP-cr5uq]

I saw a funny comment about seeing a close up of June’s face 50 times an episode and now I can’t unsee it!!! 😂😝😝

[@kristabelle43]

I hate to admit I don’t disagree with you. The show is brilliant and very impactful, I assume that is the purpose of those scenes to really create that deep impact. But I will admit that it was harder to get through bc of those drawn out moments.

[@nicoleowens2318]

Agreed, you make some really good points. Like another person said, "I can't unsee this" now so thanks! Lol

[@neilarmour4497]

I'll provide a counterpoint to that... I think June's facial expressions are what lifts the show from amazing to epic... Elizabeth Moss's ability to convey so much emotion using the tiniest micro expressions is unrivalled. The scene where she could go either way with Serena and her new baby just blew me away. There was the tiniest glimmer of consideration to the idea of not giving her the baby and just walking away to let her die. You can see she considered it for just the tiniest of moments but it was there.

[@tayoriginal4067]

OMG season 5 is 🤯👏🏼

[@brennyluv]

woooaahhhh lizzie is so soft spoken

[@CarianneHixson]

Who know a bad cameraman could ruin an entire Q&A 😂

[@munimunus6141]

One thing about Serena character is that she never actually expresses her opinion and we never really know her side and her feelings and need to read her facial expressions. Like, if someone says something "evil" that we assume she agrees with, she doesnt say yes, she doesnt nod, she just gives a certain look and than you go figure what she means. When her enemies threat her, she doesnt fuck them off, she just gives certain look. In situations where her own ideology fucks her up, like when men wont let her speak, she remains collected and again we dont know whether a time will come when she will have enough of that or she is determined to keep that shit going. I dont know if that is written and how much the actress plays part in it, but I find it extremely annoying, in sense that if I knew such person I would hate that, but extremely good as a series character trait.

[@dk5802]

Excellent point and well said. So true!👍

[@ByHerHand]

Serena is a survivor. She will say and do anything to achieve her goals. She is terrifying! Also Yvonne is a truly amazing actor.

[@Alex-xh2tb]

Well said. I also noticed that and thus I have a habit of watching her eyes and lips to know what is really in her mind. Such a complicated woman to be portrayed. love to watch as a character but not in real life haha

[@kellyalves756]

OT looks smooth as hell in that suit.🫠

[@AlwaysChicago]

As a Stage Manager, hearing the SM at the beginning is hilarious 😊

[@eduardotorres3457]

Pastor Nina in the house!

[@joshuagharis9017]

The cinema crew, amazing 👏

[@laurajelks8002]

I'm so jealous rn! Edit: Elizabeth is also my twin from another mother and I love it lol

[@ajordan1976]

So is my daughter. So many people have commented on the resemblance! You must be a lovely young lady. 🖤

[@michelleharris2173]

Rita looks amazing

[@sharimelbourne6927]

Amanda looks so gorgeous! 😍

[@Target84112]

The show is not only Moss. Everybody as a great team makes it what it is. Stop underestimating the others, especially "Serena". If she wasn't on the show Moss would be "half". They are the perfect couple and see Stateless to finally appreciate "Serena". Cate Blancet chosen here for this extremely hard role and she was incredible. Sorry guys Moss is not the show. Is part of the show.

[@ajordan1976]

Excellent series. True story too!

[@RP-ib3qp]

The series drew attention because it has Elisabeth Moss and she always put on a show. All the actors are great but she only got attention mainly from the media because of her. You don't know anything. Elisabeth director, executive producer and actress

[@Masokitsu]

I mean she is the driving force of the show, without her there is no handmaids tale, sure they could kill her off and make Cate Blanchett main character, get a new director, but (like with Walking Dead for example) they would lose their audience. That being said Serena is becoming my favorite character, I don't think the show would thrive without both of them.

[@Alex-xh2tb]

Could not agree more. I m sick of seeing her constant facial twitching (i rather use this word than ‘expression’) that is so confusing when she wants to tell us she is emotional with something. Needless to say other actors have been doing brilliantly for their parts even this executive producer actress has been taking 70% of scenes. They are survivors indeed lol.

[@sherryhuggi-ma7246]

I like how Bradley Whitford keeps interrupting himself.

[@teacake27]

Max and O.T.s accents!!! I'm envy Elisabeth!

[@DyieshaDyme]

Amanda looks soooo gorgeous !! I didn’t even recognize her

[@SS-mm5md]

Why wasn’t there a mic on audience for questions?

[@RogDow123]

Commander Waterford wasn t the worst. He was ambitious but had a heart. His death was a bit over the top. That said, this is one of my fav series, very original and superb acting all round. We re all hoping that they ll end up with Hannah by the end of the show.

[@dorettawilson7726]

Please let this be the last season. I need a satisfying ending. It's becoming so tedious.

[@nicolefrances.c]

Season 6 is the final season

[@bridgebechtelt219]

Producers- have you pondered the thought that Nicole is really Fred's baby.....think on that. Love the show! Well done

[@normabass1549]

Where is 6. Why r you keeping us waiting. When is it coming?????

[@mariateresacrua7997]

of the last 2 seasons I didn't like the fact that Nick was little present, put in a corner, despite being the nicest character after June. too much space for Luke that we could do without

[@MimiB1974]

Didn’t even recognize “Rita” 🔥

[@littlewa]

Yvonne is my all time favourite as Serena!!!

[@janiceboling]

Serena gets to wear red, but where is Lydia?

[@sarahelizabeth7638]

I love the irony that they escape to the place where this took place. LOL

[@thunderousapplause]

Too bad aunt Lydia wasn’t there too

[@lisaredman890]

Pastor Nina from Kim's Convenience!

[@ashaale3605]

I only have 1 question: where's Joseph????😅