The Handmaiden
Film

The Handmaiden (2016)

3 critics 8 lists ★ 8.2 TMDb 145 min ThrillerDramaRomance

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.

Movies like The Handmaiden ↓

Where to watchStreaming availability by region · data by JustWatch

The Generation GapWhat our critics say

The Lore Architect
The Lore ArchitectMillennial

Park Chan-wook’s opulent South Korean thriller is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving a seductive tale of deception, desire, and defiance. You think you know where it’s going, but then it pulls the rug out from under you, not once, but several times. It’s visually stunning, intensely erotic, and surprisingly funny, offering a potent critique of patriarchal power dynamics. This isn't just a film; it’s an experience that lingers, and it’s often buried on services prioritizing algorithms over artistry.

from “Beyond the Scroll: 6 Cinematic Gems the Streaming Giants Hide From You” →

Park Chan-wook came back in 2016 with 'The Handmaiden' and served up *everything*. This neo-noir psychological thriller is a visual feast, but it's the deliciously twisted plot and the unexpected queer romance that truly hit different. It's giving 'eat the rich' energy with a side of 'women outsmarting patriarchal BS.' The intricate cons and the genuine connection between the leads? A masterclass in storytelling and representation. Slay.

from “Mahershala Ali's Got a Blade, But These 9 Films Cut Deeper” →
The Skip Button
The Skip ButtonGen Alpha

This film's intricate plot and shifting perspectives are perfect for an AI-driven narrative where your understanding of events constantly evolves. Imagine experiencing this opulent, deceptive world in VR, with AI characters reacting subtly to your choices, pulling back layers of trickery. It’s about trust and betrayal, and AI could make every reveal feel deeply personal, crafting a unique journey of manipulation and empowerment.

from “6 Films That Are Basically Your Brain's Next VR Adventure” →

Featured in 8 lists

Mahershala Ali's Got a Blade, But These 9 Films Cut Deeper Beyond the Scroll: 6 Cinematic Gems the Streaming Giants Hide From You 12 Movies That Are Giving Main Character Energy, But You Probably Haven't Seen 'Em Yet Beyond the Algorithm: 12 Cinematic Gems You've Probably Missed 5 Essential Films That Slip Through The Algorithm's Cracks 6 Films That Are Basically Your Brain's Next VR Adventure The 7 Cinematic Gems That Prove Streaming Isn't Just About What's New 7 Cinematic Deep Cuts That Hit Different in the Streaming Age

Movies like The Handmaiden

What most often shares a list with it, according to our critics.

Bound Bound 1996 Under the Skin Under the Skin 2014 Harold and Maude Harold and Maude 1971 Primer Primer 2004 Coherence Coherence 2014 Portrait of a Lady on Fire Portrait of a Lady on Fire 2019 Pig Pig 2021 Perfect Blue Perfect Blue 1998