Fashion
Elisabeth Moss on That Shocking ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Season Finale: ‘I Don’t Think She’s Done’
Published
3 years agoon
By
Terry Power
Spoilers for season 4 episode 10 of The Handmaid’s Tale, “The Wilderness” below.
Throughout all four seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale, the protagonist and guiding force, June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), has had a singular mission: Rescue her daughter Hannah from the grips of Gilead and get her to safety. But along the way, as June is tortured and raped, as her friends are mutilated and killed, she develops a second calling: Make Gilead’s architects feel the very pain they’ve inflicted upon so many.
In Gilead, June’s powers against the oppressive regime were limited, but her imagination was boundless. With nothing to lose, she risked her life again and again, sneaking into Hannah’s room, poisoning commanders, and sending dozens of kids to Canada in a stolen plane. But when June arrives in Canada herself, safe and sound in the middle of season 4, her toolbox changes drastically, and she must decide how she’ll continue her fight from afar.
The answer comes, dark and bloody, in the season’s shocking finale, when June rounds up a group of former Handmaids to murder her former Commander Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) in the woods on the border between Canada and Gilead. “I feel more secure knowing that June knows who she is now,” Moss tells ELLE.com about June’s game-changing decision. “And that’s not necessarily a monster. It’s just a person who’s most important thing is creating a better world for her daughters.”
Below, Moss reveals how she first found out about the grisly ending, what she learned from directing several episodes this season, and all the questions she hopes to see answered in the next one. Then, read showrunner Bruce Miller’s take on the season’s conclusion.
We need to talk about the scene between June and Fred in the prison. I was panicked the entire time. What were June’s intentions? Why did she go talk to him?
She’s in a place where she needs to know what to do. She’s choosing between her family and the bureaucracy—staying put, working with the government, fighting the good fight, and doing it probably the right way—and her own revenge. But she’s also going with the question of, Who am I after Gilead? So there’s two things that happen in that scene. One, she gets her answer to the first question, when Fred apologizes to her. That’s the nail in his coffin, because what could be worse? This means that he recognizes and remembers what he did to her. It would be so much better if he was just a psychopath who had no recollection and no feeling of remorse. But now she realizes he knows what he did. The other important thing is that they talk about missing Offred. I think it’s very sincere on June’s part. She misses that person that she was, in a way. That person in Gilead who knew what to do, who knew who the enemy was, and who knew what she had to do about it, which is get her daughter and get out. Now her mission isn’t so clear.
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So when he apologizes, instead of June thinking, Oh, he’s changed, she’s thinking, He knows what he did. He has to pay.
Exactly. That was something [director] Liz Garbus and I talked about a lot. It was something she learned in her extensive documentary work and her work with survivors. She’s a brilliant director and a wonderful person, and she brought this idea to the table—and it’d come from personal experiences—that abusers or attackers who apologize to their victims, or apologize to the family of the victims, that made it far worse. Because now you realize that they’re human.
How did you first find out that June would kill Fred?
It’s been brewing since like season 3, that this had to happen and it should happen, but we didn’t know when it was going to happen. I love the character of Fred dramatically; I think he’s so interesting. They say you’re only as good as your villains, and what a fantastic villain. But at the same time, someone has to suffer for what has happened. Someone has got to pay for what has happened. The audience has to have that feeling of satisfaction, of revenge. And it’s either him or Serena, so. [Laughs]
Nick is the one to deliver Fred to June. It made me think back to when Commander Lawrence tells Nick, “You can’t save her.” Do you think this was Nick’s way of saving her? I saw you say on Watch What Happens Live that you agree June is meant to be with Nick over Luke.
Look, it’s kind of obvious. She wants to be with Nick. She’s in love with Nick. It doesn’t mean I don’t think Luke is an amazing guy. It also doesn’t mean that I don’t think she should be with Luke. I think she has a much happier life with Luke. But it’s not in the cards, unfortunately, for this woman, and that scene in episode 10 is a great example of why. The person that she is now, for better or worse, is a very different person from the one who married Luke. [June and Nick have] been in a war together. They continue to be in that war together. They say one of the most important things about being in a relationship is that what’s important to you is important to the other person. Luke is not going to deliver Fred to her to tear apart into pieces, and that’s what’s important to her.
Luke is not going to deliver Fred to her to tear apart into pieces, and that’s what’s important to her.
There’s also that very last, heartbreaking scene. Do you think June went into the murder knowing she was giving up Nichole and Luke?
Yes, 100 percent. I think that’s the choice she makes, but I don’t think it’s giving up Nichole. She chooses a different way to fight the battle. There’s the version where she fights from Canada and lives at home with Luke and Nichole. But there was also the version where she fights for a better future for her daughters and for the future generation. There are different ways of doing it, and June’s way is not from that house in Canada. I don’t know what’s happening in season 5—I know what the themes are, [series creator] Bruce [Miller] and I talked about that, but I actually don’t know the details—but the theme of the series that’s very important is: What world are we leaving for the future generation?
You directed several episodes this season. Did directing change how you viewed the show or your character?
It didn’t change how I viewed my character. I think one of the reasons why I took to directing on the show so quickly is I’ve been thinking like a director a lot more than I realized. And I think it’s made me a better actor. I’ve always been very interested in, what is the scene about? Why are we shooting it this way? Why is the camera there? What are the other characters doing? What part of the story is this? So directing really wasn’t that gigantic of a shift. The thing that I did feel—this is crazy to say, but it’s true—is how much you rely on your actors. Being an actor for over 30 years, I never realized how important that is, and how the actors will tell you what the scene is about. The actors will tell you where to put the camera with their performance. They’ll tell you what the rhythm of the scene is. If you have a good actor in the scene, you’re golden.
The theme of the series that’s very important is: What world are we leaving for the future generation?
Are there any big questions you want answered next season?
Hannah, Hannah, Hannah. Always Hannah. I want to know what’s going to happen to Janine and Esther and that little gang that’s formed of the two of them. Jesus Christ, that’s going to be interesting. I want to know if Lawrence is going to prove himself to be a good man. I want to know how Emily is going to find her revenge. And for June, Hannah, Hannah, Hannah. And what is she going to do to try to bring down this regime? Then, of course, Nick. What’s going to happen with Nick? Let’s be honest, that’s pretty much the only thing I care about. [Laughs]
When he put that ring on his finger in episode 9? I was screaming.
I know. I was screaming! I’m a fan. That moment where he put that ring on makes me scream when I see it. I’m like, “Oh my god, no!”
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One of the themes in the book is that June is this everywoman. She could be anybody. The show then plays with the question, is she a hero? Who is she? How do you view her now, at the end of this season?
I think she’s a heroine, I do. But I like to think that she’s still an everywoman in the sense of, if you had all those things happen to you, I’m pretty sure this would be the outcome. She reacts as any parent would, any woman would, any human would. I got an incredible letter from the woman at the U.N. who’s been consulting with us since the beginning, as far as refugees and survivors of regimes similar to Gilead. We got a letter from her recently that meant so much to me about the testimony in episode 8, about how that speech in the courtroom was very, very accurate. She said that survivors all talk about how they’re using their voice for the people who no longer have one. I think that this is the true story of a heroine, and there are so many of them out there. There are Junes out there. They may not be Salvaging a man in the woods, but the experiences that have happened to them, and the feelings that they have after those experiences and after that trauma, are real and do exist.
This season also touches a lot on the idea of justice. Even Commander Lawrence says to June in the finale that whatever happens to Fred won’t be enough. Do you think it’s enough? Do you think that satisfied her?
Nope. Absolutely not. I think it’s satisfying for sure, but it’s not just one man. It’s a system. That’s true of our show, and that’s true of the world that we live in. So no, I don’t think she’s done, and I don’t think she’s fully satiated. I think what Lawrence said is absolutely correct. It will not be enough.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
WATCH THE HANDMAID’S TALE ON HULU
Madison is a staff writer at ELLE.com, covering news, politics, and culture.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
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Fashion
Jennifer Lopez Joined Ben Affleck In L.A. With Kids For Thanksgiving
Published
3 years agoon
26 November 2021By
Terry Power
On Wednesday night, Jennifer Lopez arrived in Los Angeles with her 13-year-old twins Max and Emme. The family was likely there to join Lopez’s boyfriend, Ben Affleck, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Lopez recently returned from the much colder climate of British Columbia, Canada, where she was filming her latest project, The Mother.
J. Lo touched down in her private jet wearing a teddy fur coat from Coach’s Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, and a pair of Ugg boots. Classic airplane outfit, celebrity style. Lopez and Affleck originally dated in 2002 and broke up in 2004. Their romance was rekindled earlier this year, soon after Lopez ended her relationship with baseball player Alex Rodriguez. The new couple went official in July, while celebrating Lopez’s 52nd birthday abroad.
Affleck’s most recent relationship with Ana de Armas ended in January after about a year together. He had divorced ex-wife Jennifer Garner in 2015 after being married for almost a decade. Garner and Affleck had three daughters, Violet, Seraphina, and Sam.
Before traveling back to the U.S., Lopez posted a story to Instagram Reels about how grateful she was to be headed home.
“Hey everybody, it’s my last day here shooting on The Mother out in Smithers in the snow, it’s been beautiful, but tonight I’m on my way home,” she said, as she walked through the wild landscape in a black coat and beanie.
“I’m so excited for Thanksgiving! I hope everybody has an amazing weekend with their families and their loved ones, there’s so much to be grateful for this year. I’m on my way!”
This is the first major holiday of the year since Lopez and Affleck reunited, so it’s likely to be a big one for both families.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
Fashion
Everlane’s Black Friday Sale is Packed With Winter Essentials
Published
3 years agoon
26 November 2021By
Terry Power
Courtesy
This is not a drill: Everlane just kicked off its Black Friday sale. Now through Monday, November 29, the direct-to-consumer brand is offering 20 to 40% off its cozy sweaters, minimalist activewear, and popular jeans. If you’re not super familiar with Everlane, let me spell it out for you: this is a big deal.
The e-tailer might be known for making sustainable, ethically made clothes and accessories at a fair, affordable price, but Everlane rarely has sales beyond its Choose What You Pay section. So, if you want to stock up on cute basics for less, now’s your time to shop.
And, in true Everlane fashion, the brand is taking this opportunity to give back. Everlane is partnering with Rodale Institute and help U.S. farmers transition their farmland to regenerative organic—and donating $15 per order to the cause. A great sale that gives back? I’m sold.
But, hurry! These deals are going to sell out fast, so you won’t want to waste any time filling your e-cart.
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1
The Cloud Turtleneck
$150 $105 (30% off)
Sweater weather is officially here, so why not pick up a few fresh layers? This turtleneck is the S’s: snuggly, stylish, and on sale.
2
The Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Jeans
everlane
$78 $58 (25% off)
Looking for a great pair of jeans, minus the markup? Everlane’s classic skinny style is not only super stretchy, but it’ll look good with everything from chunky sweaters to silky blouses.
3
The ReNew Teddy Slippers
everlane
$65 $39 (40% off)
Why limit the shearling trend to the upper half of your body? These plush slippers will give even your most worn-in sweats a stylish edge.
4
The Chunky Cardigan
everlane
$110 $77 (30% off)
Sure, this may not be the cardigan Taylor Swift was talking about. But, with an exaggerated collar and ribbed finish, this style would definitely score top marks from the singer herself.
5
The Canvas Utility Boots
everlane
$115 $59 (40% off)
Brave the cold weather in style with Everlane’s chic boots. The canvas uppers and thick sole make these an ideal, all-weather option.
6
The Lofty-Knit Henley
everlane
$150 $105 (30% off)
Made with a nubby blend of merino wool, alpaca, and recycled nylon, this henley is perfect for a cozy night in, yet stylish enough to wear in public.
7
The Perform Bike Shorts
everlane
$45 $22 (51% off)
No, you can never have too many stretchy pants. Everlane’s bike shorts ooze major Lady Di vibes — for under $25, no less.
8
The ReLeather Court Sneakers
everlane
$110 $66 (40% off)
Made with recycled leather, these refresh sneakers will serve up major curb appeal — and Mother Nature’s seal of approval.
9
The Field Dress
everlane
$100 $60 (40% off)
Found: a fun, flouncy frock you can wear year-round. For a wintry take, pair with opaque tights and your favorite chunky boots.
10
The Cozy-Stretch Wide-Leg Sweatpants
everlane
$150 $75 (50% off)
With a straight-legged silhouette and wool material, it’s safe to say these are the chicest sweatpants we’ve ever seen. To sweeten an already enticing offer, this pair is half off.
11
The Organic Cotton Flannel Popover
$80 $56 (30% off)
Everlane reimagined the traditional flannel with a cropped silhouette, voluminous sleeves, and a slew of minimalist colors.
12
The Studio Bag
everlane
$275 $192 (30% off)
Large enough to fit all your essentials, but not too big that it’ll weigh you down, Everlane’s Studio Bag is the perfect everyday purse.
13
The ReNew Long Liner
everlane
$158 $118 (25% off)
House Stark was right: winter really is coming. Made with recycled materials, this liner is a great layering piece that’s considerably chicer than the yesteryear’s Michelin Man-worthy parkas.
14
The Felted Merino Beanie
everlane
$50 $30 (40% off)
All set on clothes? Pick up this cheery beanie, which is 40% off its original price.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Marie Claire, Women’s Health, and Men’s Health, among others.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
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Fashion
29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy
Published
3 years agoon
26 November 2021By
Terry Power
29 Winter Fragrances That Exude Main Character Energy