Episode 5 - The Handmaiden

Queer Girl Film Club

Betrayal! Intrigue! Class! Colonialism! Dirty dirty books! The most successful Korean film in the West before Parasite came along! It’s time to watch The Handmaiden, a sumptuous, stylish, erotic adaptation of Sarah Waters’ Fingersmith set in a Korea occupied by Japan.

Join Holly, Alice and Georgia as we discuss The Handmaiden in all it’s funny, poignant and poetic glory. We normally advise you watch the film before listening (except Jenny’s Wedding) but this time we REALLY REALLY REALLY recommend you watch it first because the spoilers are plentiful and you really should watch this to enjoy the rollercoaster unspoiled.

Listen as the gang discuss bath time, symbolism, the history of Japan and Korea, and the myriad uses of thimbles.

CN: Strong language, discussion of sex scenes, and conversation about suicide (49:00-50:53 if you would prefer not to listen).