The Handmaid's Tale

Set in the near future, depicts the Republic of Gilead, which is ravaged by ecological disasters that result in civil war, political turmoil, and widespread sterility. Only a few women, known as handmaids, can still bear children. Revolves around the activities of Kate, a handmaid who is to bear the commander's child for his infertile wife--but revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the government have other plans for Kate. Based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel, with the screenplay by Harold Pinter. Stars Natasha Robinson, Elizabeth McGovern, Robert Duvall, and Faye Dunaway.

Kate is a woman who attempts to emigrate to Canada with her husband and daughter. She is soon assigned to the home of "the Commander" (Fred) and of his cold, inflexible wife, Serena Joy. Her role as the Commander's latest concubine is emotionless. Kate is haunted by nightmares of her husband's death and of her daughter.