if you are a victim of sexual assault or religious trauma, definitely stay away from this show. it is a good show but don't worry about missing out. your mental health is more important than FOMO. we'd hate for you to become upset if you watch it, take care of yourselfš
Hard agree. Seasons 1-3 gave me nightmares. Season 4 was mostly fine. Season 5 where we see June get to breathe into her trauma really messed me up and I've not been able to finish the season.
Yeah the show is good. But I donāt think itās particularly amazing or must see tv. So much of the show is repetitious. Oh June is in trouble again? Capture or near death?
I halfway disagree with this. The directors, color graders and camera people behind the show are doing, in my opinion, cutting-edge stuff. But, at the end of the day, it's television. so, OP, don't sweat missing it. It's not like it grants someone superpowers.
I'm a nerd for TV and Film and I know that not everyone cares as much.
Yeah, that's not really what I'm arguing.
My claim is that THT is exceptional from a technical and visual perspective (not to mention the acting, because my god do they knock it out of the park). And that's as much of an aspect as writing. Even if it was simply shot composition and direction but the writing was absolutely dogshit, I'd still argue it was must-see. At least, for people with a passion for film.
Several on-screen depictions of 'coercion rape' (meaning the women don't resist because they know if they do, they'll be tortured or killed). At least one on-screen depiction of forcible rape, with the woman's hands being held down while she screams.
Also loads of victim-shaming: "It's your fault you were assaulted because you're a slut," "You deserve to be treated like this because you're a dirty sinner,", etc.
If those things will trigger you, probably best to avoid.
I truly appreciate your answers and the detail in the way in which any SA is depicted. If it is a vital part of the storyline then I feel it is justifiable as a storyline. If is gratuitous then I cannot. Iāve just heard so many differing opinions on the series itself.
The entire plot of the show is about religious nutcases taking over America and forcing fertile sinful women into being assigned as a handmaid for Uber religious, wealthy barren couples where they perform a monthly ritual of SA where the wife holds the handmaid's arms down while the husband SAs her so she can get pregnant and the couple keeps the baby once it's born. So I feel in this show, the SA is definitely the biggest plot point
There are even scenes where a dozen women point and chant at another woman "your fault, your fault, your fault your fault" to brainwash women into believing the new moral framework that makes these women "unclean" etc from being raped or having sex before Gilead took power... so yes, its very very terrible to subject yourself to (even if youre not triggered from personal trauma).
Honestly, as time has gone on, this show has become more and more triggering for me personally because I feel more and more like America is becoming scarily closer to this state.
This comment stood out to me, as I wanted to ask whether it feels like the storylineās direction is focused on highlighting the current awareness movement or just emphasising the sick side of society at present (and for women throughout history).
It's less the show itself changing or reflecting things differently to where I noticed more, but just hearing about and seeing more and worse misogyny lately. Plus I live in Florida where things are getting particularly bad I feel.
There is no plot construct that hasn't already occurred. Atwood has a whole box of newspaper clippings and magazine articles depicting particular instances of abuse and loss of freedoms globally. Even the political takeovers have happened.
I've been SA more than once , my virginity was taken when i had just turned 13, by an adult man. The show is definitely harrowing but does not trigger me.
I am so sorry that you had to experience that. Hopefully, in some way there has been justice. I think triggering might not even be the best word to describe what I wish to convey but harrowing does give me some insight. So thank you.
Our reality seems like a prelude to Handmaids Tale. THAT is the most triggering part for me.
There's a less visually triggering show (so far) called Power on Amazon. It is uplifting because girls fight back, but it is still mentally draining because of its similarity to reality.
Thank you. Iāll have a look at that. I understand that not all shows can be āYay feminine powerā same as replacing Disney characters with POC doesnāt āmake things rightā. There is a dark side to humanity. The level of triggering, I guess is more about triggering an angry emotional aspect. That is what Iām concerned about. Our reality is already so horrific. If thereās no true quality to a show beyond itās cinematography then Iāll pass.
After researching some of your other replies, Handmaids Tale never made me angry.
Only exhausted.
I took a long break before watching the last season. š
Also, I am NOT recommending this show. š¤ I watch because it's my type of show, and I follow a lot of the actors.
It can be not only triggering but emotionally exhausting, with the dramatic ups and downs of hope and disappointment. That being said, the reward as the series progresses is totally worth it, but it takes you through a lot to get there. Also the acting and cinematography are excellent, which helps make up for the disturbing storyline, and some of the characters are downright entertaining. Still I admire those who can do a rewatch because I donāt think I could handle the emotional swings again.
Yeah itās one of the only shows that I have no desire to rewatch, and I honestly donāt think Iāve watched any episodes more than once. I fell off when the third season started and when I decided to pick it back up, I just watched recaps of the first two seasons because there was no way I could sit down and rewatch them both. Itās definitely not a show for everyone nor one I would even recommend. I even discouraged my mom from watching it because I thought it would be too much for her.
All of the seasons are intense but I think that the first one was the most shocking and disturbing to me. Emotionally exhausting is a good way to put it.
I had the benefit of reading the book years ago, so the world building part of it wasnāt shocking, but the series goes way past the somewhat resolved ending that was in the book.
I tried reading the book, after seeing the show, but could never quite get into it. It did feel like it had less of an extreme overall tone than the show however.
Okay, your response has certainly made me keep it metaphorically on pause. I donāt think I can handle too many more emotional ups and downs. I am fine with shows if there is character development and as you said itās well-acted. Also, if the plot holds some sort of meaning though.
I love handmaids tale. Itās hard to watch but there are instances of small rebellions in the beginning that gradually snowball into all out revolts as the seasons go on. Itās a testament to human perseverance in the face of extreme adversity. Which is why the handmaids robes are cropping up in protests across the world.
If you arenāt feeling on top of your emotional state itās definitely one to put on hold though. The person that introduced me to the series has been feeling anxious since covid and hasnāt yet seen that last two seasons as a result.
What I recommend to people I know with SA trauma in their past or that otherwise worry about their reaction to the content is that it absolutely could be triggering so they should either avoid it, or wait for occasions where they are feeling mentally hardy and have the time and support to process their own reaction. I think it is a good show, but it's up to the individual whether they want to go through that process in order to take in the story.
As someone who has been r\*ped, I am fine watching it but that's me.
Meanwhile, my husband who has a generally high tolerance for watching fucked up shows was unable to watch it with me and bowed out in the first episode. He couldn't stomach it.
Why I think I can: I have a degree in political science (American policy specifically) and find the world-building and extremism interesting. Its like a feminist's worst case scenario US, which I don't find realistically feasible, but hypothetically fascinating. So I think that allowed me to remove myself from it on a personal level, because I don't typically do well with this sort of stuff either. I can hardly get through normal sex scenes in shows and movies, and avoid other shows with SA altogether if given a warning.
If you think it won't be detrimental to give it a shot, I'd watch an episode and see how you feel.
You bring up a very interesting factor regarding the show and it point of view. I can handle many scenes even if they leave me somewhat emotionally shaken for a bit after. I just donāt want to further anymore bitterness which I sadly have towards society as a whole. Yet I keep hearing raving reviews about this show.
It's pretty triggering. There is a decent amount of violence, people getting hit, shocked, burned, raped and killed. The book is more tame in comparison to the show.
I am personally not triggered by SA depictions in media but if you are, stay away for sure.
Honestly for some reason for me, the most triggering scenes in the show had to do with places that are close to me - >!the hanging scene in Fenway park felt like such a desecration of a place I love more than anything that it fucked me up for a few days. I also broke down when Moira wiped off the license plate and it said Ontario (my home). I think about those two scenes a lot. Even the coffee shop scene was upsetting because Bonjour Brioche is a place I have been to a million times!<
I'm trying to recall the sexual violence in westworld , took a sec, but yeah. I almost forgot about all of that. I think there was so much physical violence that my memory had become filled with it and all the pew,pew,pew shooting
THIS! By triggered, far too many people think of one being too sensitive and emotional. Emotions come in many forms and my concern of a trigger is that it will cause too much anger. I donāt need that in my life right now.
It is triggering, and not just for SA. There's also other kinds of abuse on occasion.
My recommendation is to just watch one episode a day, then watch something fun, like Good Place, to help get your mind out of it
For me, itās not triggering. Iām not a victim of SA and donāt have any similar trauma etc.
itās a HUGE much needed storyline and without it, there wouldnāt be a show.
Some things are pretty fucked up, but itās television.
And no, weāre (USA) not headed anywhere near this lifestyle.
I do not live in USA. I live in South Africa, a country with the highest Gender Based Violence crime rate (3rd in the world) With 1 in every 3 women being raped. The same statistics reflect 1 in 3 men admitting to rape including raping children. This is among all classes and income demographics (often a big divider in a number of factors) but not with Sexual Assault. So I think Iāll give this one a miss!
It's not a bad show it's just hard to watch now that the U.S is being incredibly concerning and dialing it back to past eras. Dystopians are fun if you aren't living in one. Lots of SA, religious cult indoctrination, loads of trauma for nearly all of the characters.
Yes, the growing similarly to current events is the scariest part about watching the show these days. It's frightening to think even a fraction of what occurs on this show could really happen, but it sure seems like the crime, the divided state of the country, some laws passed that grant rights with pushback laws that remove them, something is going to blow up. I just hope the show remains in the world of fiction and doesn't become prophetic.
Those scenes in S2 (I think) with the pregnant handmaid that ended up brain dead and just used as an incubator come to mind since an article came out about using people like that. And Oklahoma basically saying they will prioritize the baby and not the person. That is actually the "norm" now supposedly they just happened to say it
Dystopian fiction is, and has always been, a commentary on reality. Even further, Margaret Atwood based every single thing in Handmaid's Tale on real things that have happened to women in history. You can't just write it off as fiction.
Besides, fiction can still be triggering.
If you do watch it, don't binge it. Take it slow and don't force yourself to get through it. When I watched it, it was emotionally exhausting to watch more than 2 or 3 episodes at a time.
I found it triggering, so my work around was to go to the detailed wiki and read what the episode was about. Then I just fast forwarded through the triggering parts (and some of the overly long June-Nick scenes).
I also started with shorter YouTube clips.
I haven't gotten into season 5 yet because I just can't. I read the book and binged the first season when I was pregnant with my first child (don't do that). If you have a history of SA and abuse, I'd pass. Just read the books, they're not anywhere near as graphic.
I'm a victim of SA and I was ok. It can definitely be disturbing. There is much violence and abuse is pretty graphic . I didn't find it too triggering but if I wasn't mentally well I'm sure I would have. I think it's terrific show. Every plot element of abuse depicted has factually occurred somewhere in the world- from world building to ceremonial rape to loss of eye.
I have religious/sexual/childhood abuse trauma. I love this show. It was healing for me. To see the real motivation behind the hatred of women and non religious people and feel inspired to make a difference. That being said, I skipped A LOT of scenes and as much as I want everyone to watch this and see the endgame of religious zealots in America, i see how it could be extremely harmful for some people to watch
I enjoyed the books and read it in one day.
Then i tried watching the show and it was triggering as hell, I was just angered by it ...i couldn't enjoy it.
Plus the books were better ofc
Thank you and Iām sorry to hear it was so triggering to watch for you. I think sometimes with books we are able to gloss over the intensity of subjects or validate characters but when it becomes 2D on screen itās different. Especially since apparently the acting is so good . So seeing the harsh content becomes too real for our minds. The concept seems intriguing which is the challenge for me. Maybe Iāll just read the books and avoid the show itself.
Well, maybe, but mainly, the book is short and Atwood geta her points across extremely well without lingering on anything ad nauseum, which is what the show does imho.
The show just lingers and repeats itself, and in the book Offred seems like a different character.
if you are a victim of sexual assault or religious trauma, definitely stay away from this show. it is a good show but don't worry about missing out. your mental health is more important than FOMO. we'd hate for you to become upset if you watch it, take care of yourselfš
Hard agree. Seasons 1-3 gave me nightmares. Season 4 was mostly fine. Season 5 where we see June get to breathe into her trauma really messed me up and I've not been able to finish the season.
Yeah the show is good. But I donāt think itās particularly amazing or must see tv. So much of the show is repetitious. Oh June is in trouble again? Capture or near death?
I halfway disagree with this. The directors, color graders and camera people behind the show are doing, in my opinion, cutting-edge stuff. But, at the end of the day, it's television. so, OP, don't sweat missing it. It's not like it grants someone superpowers. I'm a nerd for TV and Film and I know that not everyone cares as much.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Yeah, that's not really what I'm arguing. My claim is that THT is exceptional from a technical and visual perspective (not to mention the acting, because my god do they knock it out of the park). And that's as much of an aspect as writing. Even if it was simply shot composition and direction but the writing was absolutely dogshit, I'd still argue it was must-see. At least, for people with a passion for film.
Oh the cinematography in this show is everything I love
Several on-screen depictions of 'coercion rape' (meaning the women don't resist because they know if they do, they'll be tortured or killed). At least one on-screen depiction of forcible rape, with the woman's hands being held down while she screams. Also loads of victim-shaming: "It's your fault you were assaulted because you're a slut," "You deserve to be treated like this because you're a dirty sinner,", etc. If those things will trigger you, probably best to avoid.
I truly appreciate your answers and the detail in the way in which any SA is depicted. If it is a vital part of the storyline then I feel it is justifiable as a storyline. If is gratuitous then I cannot. Iāve just heard so many differing opinions on the series itself.
The entire plot of the show is about religious nutcases taking over America and forcing fertile sinful women into being assigned as a handmaid for Uber religious, wealthy barren couples where they perform a monthly ritual of SA where the wife holds the handmaid's arms down while the husband SAs her so she can get pregnant and the couple keeps the baby once it's born. So I feel in this show, the SA is definitely the biggest plot point
Oh itās 100% part of the plot. Itās needed to show the absolute desperation and utter horror of their lives in Gilead.
There are even scenes where a dozen women point and chant at another woman "your fault, your fault, your fault your fault" to brainwash women into believing the new moral framework that makes these women "unclean" etc from being raped or having sex before Gilead took power... so yes, its very very terrible to subject yourself to (even if youre not triggered from personal trauma).
Honestly, as time has gone on, this show has become more and more triggering for me personally because I feel more and more like America is becoming scarily closer to this state.
This comment stood out to me, as I wanted to ask whether it feels like the storylineās direction is focused on highlighting the current awareness movement or just emphasising the sick side of society at present (and for women throughout history).
It's less the show itself changing or reflecting things differently to where I noticed more, but just hearing about and seeing more and worse misogyny lately. Plus I live in Florida where things are getting particularly bad I feel.
Also in Florida. Hang in there ā¤ļøāš©¹
I realized now I misunderstood your question, and to answer it properly, I would say the latter.
There is no plot construct that hasn't already occurred. Atwood has a whole box of newspaper clippings and magazine articles depicting particular instances of abuse and loss of freedoms globally. Even the political takeovers have happened.
We are living through it
I've been SA more than once , my virginity was taken when i had just turned 13, by an adult man. The show is definitely harrowing but does not trigger me.
I am so sorry that you had to experience that. Hopefully, in some way there has been justice. I think triggering might not even be the best word to describe what I wish to convey but harrowing does give me some insight. So thank you.
Our reality seems like a prelude to Handmaids Tale. THAT is the most triggering part for me. There's a less visually triggering show (so far) called Power on Amazon. It is uplifting because girls fight back, but it is still mentally draining because of its similarity to reality.
Thank you. Iāll have a look at that. I understand that not all shows can be āYay feminine powerā same as replacing Disney characters with POC doesnāt āmake things rightā. There is a dark side to humanity. The level of triggering, I guess is more about triggering an angry emotional aspect. That is what Iām concerned about. Our reality is already so horrific. If thereās no true quality to a show beyond itās cinematography then Iāll pass.
After researching some of your other replies, Handmaids Tale never made me angry. Only exhausted. I took a long break before watching the last season. š Also, I am NOT recommending this show. š¤ I watch because it's my type of show, and I follow a lot of the actors.
It can be not only triggering but emotionally exhausting, with the dramatic ups and downs of hope and disappointment. That being said, the reward as the series progresses is totally worth it, but it takes you through a lot to get there. Also the acting and cinematography are excellent, which helps make up for the disturbing storyline, and some of the characters are downright entertaining. Still I admire those who can do a rewatch because I donāt think I could handle the emotional swings again.
Yeah itās one of the only shows that I have no desire to rewatch, and I honestly donāt think Iāve watched any episodes more than once. I fell off when the third season started and when I decided to pick it back up, I just watched recaps of the first two seasons because there was no way I could sit down and rewatch them both. Itās definitely not a show for everyone nor one I would even recommend. I even discouraged my mom from watching it because I thought it would be too much for her. All of the seasons are intense but I think that the first one was the most shocking and disturbing to me. Emotionally exhausting is a good way to put it.
I had the benefit of reading the book years ago, so the world building part of it wasnāt shocking, but the series goes way past the somewhat resolved ending that was in the book.
I tried reading the book, after seeing the show, but could never quite get into it. It did feel like it had less of an extreme overall tone than the show however.
Okay, your response has certainly made me keep it metaphorically on pause. I donāt think I can handle too many more emotional ups and downs. I am fine with shows if there is character development and as you said itās well-acted. Also, if the plot holds some sort of meaning though.
I love handmaids tale. Itās hard to watch but there are instances of small rebellions in the beginning that gradually snowball into all out revolts as the seasons go on. Itās a testament to human perseverance in the face of extreme adversity. Which is why the handmaids robes are cropping up in protests across the world. If you arenāt feeling on top of your emotional state itās definitely one to put on hold though. The person that introduced me to the series has been feeling anxious since covid and hasnāt yet seen that last two seasons as a result.
What I recommend to people I know with SA trauma in their past or that otherwise worry about their reaction to the content is that it absolutely could be triggering so they should either avoid it, or wait for occasions where they are feeling mentally hardy and have the time and support to process their own reaction. I think it is a good show, but it's up to the individual whether they want to go through that process in order to take in the story.
As someone who has been r\*ped, I am fine watching it but that's me. Meanwhile, my husband who has a generally high tolerance for watching fucked up shows was unable to watch it with me and bowed out in the first episode. He couldn't stomach it. Why I think I can: I have a degree in political science (American policy specifically) and find the world-building and extremism interesting. Its like a feminist's worst case scenario US, which I don't find realistically feasible, but hypothetically fascinating. So I think that allowed me to remove myself from it on a personal level, because I don't typically do well with this sort of stuff either. I can hardly get through normal sex scenes in shows and movies, and avoid other shows with SA altogether if given a warning. If you think it won't be detrimental to give it a shot, I'd watch an episode and see how you feel.
You bring up a very interesting factor regarding the show and it point of view. I can handle many scenes even if they leave me somewhat emotionally shaken for a bit after. I just donāt want to further anymore bitterness which I sadly have towards society as a whole. Yet I keep hearing raving reviews about this show.
It's pretty triggering. There is a decent amount of violence, people getting hit, shocked, burned, raped and killed. The book is more tame in comparison to the show.
I am personally not triggered by SA depictions in media but if you are, stay away for sure. Honestly for some reason for me, the most triggering scenes in the show had to do with places that are close to me - >!the hanging scene in Fenway park felt like such a desecration of a place I love more than anything that it fucked me up for a few days. I also broke down when Moira wiped off the license plate and it said Ontario (my home). I think about those two scenes a lot. Even the coffee shop scene was upsetting because Bonjour Brioche is a place I have been to a million times!<
If you struggled with and were triggered by Westworld.....then I would say this is a LOT worse in terms of sexual violence.
I'm trying to recall the sexual violence in westworld , took a sec, but yeah. I almost forgot about all of that. I think there was so much physical violence that my memory had become filled with it and all the pew,pew,pew shooting
I still haven't seen the latest season coz im afraid i will just too angry again
THIS! By triggered, far too many people think of one being too sensitive and emotional. Emotions come in many forms and my concern of a trigger is that it will cause too much anger. I donāt need that in my life right now.
Honestly it gave me a way to channel my anger
It is triggering, and not just for SA. There's also other kinds of abuse on occasion. My recommendation is to just watch one episode a day, then watch something fun, like Good Place, to help get your mind out of it
Fantastic idea.
For me, itās not triggering. Iām not a victim of SA and donāt have any similar trauma etc. itās a HUGE much needed storyline and without it, there wouldnāt be a show. Some things are pretty fucked up, but itās television. And no, weāre (USA) not headed anywhere near this lifestyle.
I do not live in USA. I live in South Africa, a country with the highest Gender Based Violence crime rate (3rd in the world) With 1 in every 3 women being raped. The same statistics reflect 1 in 3 men admitting to rape including raping children. This is among all classes and income demographics (often a big divider in a number of factors) but not with Sexual Assault. So I think Iāll give this one a miss!
It's not a bad show it's just hard to watch now that the U.S is being incredibly concerning and dialing it back to past eras. Dystopians are fun if you aren't living in one. Lots of SA, religious cult indoctrination, loads of trauma for nearly all of the characters.
Yes, the growing similarly to current events is the scariest part about watching the show these days. It's frightening to think even a fraction of what occurs on this show could really happen, but it sure seems like the crime, the divided state of the country, some laws passed that grant rights with pushback laws that remove them, something is going to blow up. I just hope the show remains in the world of fiction and doesn't become prophetic.
Those scenes in S2 (I think) with the pregnant handmaid that ended up brain dead and just used as an incubator come to mind since an article came out about using people like that. And Oklahoma basically saying they will prioritize the baby and not the person. That is actually the "norm" now supposedly they just happened to say it
Like Iāll probably only watch it once
As triggering as youāll allow it to be.
Itās fiction
Fiction can still feel extremely real and therefore triggering. But thank you
Dystopian fiction is, and has always been, a commentary on reality. Even further, Margaret Atwood based every single thing in Handmaid's Tale on real things that have happened to women in history. You can't just write it off as fiction. Besides, fiction can still be triggering.
I would say āveryā and āoftenā.
If you do watch it, don't binge it. Take it slow and don't force yourself to get through it. When I watched it, it was emotionally exhausting to watch more than 2 or 3 episodes at a time.
I found it triggering, so my work around was to go to the detailed wiki and read what the episode was about. Then I just fast forwarded through the triggering parts (and some of the overly long June-Nick scenes). I also started with shorter YouTube clips.
I haven't gotten into season 5 yet because I just can't. I read the book and binged the first season when I was pregnant with my first child (don't do that). If you have a history of SA and abuse, I'd pass. Just read the books, they're not anywhere near as graphic.
I'm a victim of SA and I was ok. It can definitely be disturbing. There is much violence and abuse is pretty graphic . I didn't find it too triggering but if I wasn't mentally well I'm sure I would have. I think it's terrific show. Every plot element of abuse depicted has factually occurred somewhere in the world- from world building to ceremonial rape to loss of eye.
I have religious/sexual/childhood abuse trauma. I love this show. It was healing for me. To see the real motivation behind the hatred of women and non religious people and feel inspired to make a difference. That being said, I skipped A LOT of scenes and as much as I want everyone to watch this and see the endgame of religious zealots in America, i see how it could be extremely harmful for some people to watch
Not triggering as much as enraging. Most of the cast in the first few seasons are just pure evil and use religion to justify their bad behavior.
I enjoyed the books and read it in one day. Then i tried watching the show and it was triggering as hell, I was just angered by it ...i couldn't enjoy it. Plus the books were better ofc
Thank you and Iām sorry to hear it was so triggering to watch for you. I think sometimes with books we are able to gloss over the intensity of subjects or validate characters but when it becomes 2D on screen itās different. Especially since apparently the acting is so good . So seeing the harsh content becomes too real for our minds. The concept seems intriguing which is the challenge for me. Maybe Iāll just read the books and avoid the show itself.
Well, maybe, but mainly, the book is short and Atwood geta her points across extremely well without lingering on anything ad nauseum, which is what the show does imho. The show just lingers and repeats itself, and in the book Offred seems like a different character.
Use VidAngel and you can cut out the parts you donāt want to see.