Hulu has recently released The Testaments, a sequel to the hit show The Handmaid’s Tale, based on the novels of the same name. The Testaments will follow a new generation of young women in the oppressive world of The Handmaid’s Tale, while also bringing back characters familiar to fans. The series will star breakthrough actress Chase Infiniti alongside Lucy Halliday, and following the success of The Handmaid’s Tale, this will surely be a hit.
The Handmaid’s Tale
The Testaments is based off of the 2019 novel by Margaret Atwood, and serves as a sequel to her classic 1985 novel The Handmaid’s Tale. This story has resonated through generations for its grim depiction of a future where women are stripped of rights and bodily autonomy in order to combat declining birth rates. The Testaments is set 15 years after the end of the first novel, and follows two young girls from different upbringings as they face the challenges of living in the oppressive republic of Gilead.
New and Returning Characters
The Testaments series will see the return of Bruce Miller as showrunner. Miller, who ran the first five seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale series since it began in 2017, stepped down from the role during the last season of the series. Miller made this decision so he could focus fully on the sequel, which released less than a year after the original show ended. The new series will also see the return of Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia; however, she has told fans to keep an eye out for the many changes they will see in her character after the 15-year time jump.
Alongside Dowd will be Infiniti and Halliday, who portray Agnes and Daisy, two young girls living in Gilead. These two characters come from very different backgrounds, with Agnes being born into the oppressive society of Gilead, whereas Daisy grew up free in Canada and came to Gilead after a series of tragic events. As these characters come together, the bonds they form will surely tug at audiences’ heartstrings, as, according to Reuters, Halliday stated that sisterhood can become a means of survival during times of adversity.
Infiniti’s Stellar Breakthrough
Infiniti recently made her film debut in the Oscar-winning One Battle After Another, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson. Infiniti’s role as Willa Ferguson was one of her first lead roles, and for her performance she received numerous nominations for both supporting actress and best breakthrough performance. Infiniti’s co-star Halliday is most known for her role in the 2022 film Blue Jean, directed by Georgia Oakley.
‘The Testaments’ Reception
The Testaments’ debut was well-received by critics, bringing in positive reviews for the first three episodes that debuted. The series received an 86 on Rotten Tomatoes, and its highest-rated episode so far holds an 8.7/10 on IMDb. Its predecessor, The Handmaid’s Tale, received consistently high reviews throughout its run, reaching an 8.3 on IMDB. With The Testaments’ first episodes surpassing the average of its predecessor, it is likely that the series will thrive. With The Testaments’ first episodes surpassing the average of its predecessor, it is likely that the series will thrive.
The first three episodes of the season released at once and are available to stream now. The season will include 10 episodes, with the remaining seven releasing weekly from this point onward. There has been no confirmation about the future of the series following the first season; however, it is likely that it will continue, as The Handmaid’s Tale ran for six seasons. This tragic tale of sisterhood is sure to captivate audiences, as Atwood’s novels have for over 40 years.
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