The Testaments Review
Director: Mike Barker, Shana Stein, Quyen Tran, and Jet Wilkinson
Date Created: 2026-04-06 20:00
3.5
The Testaments Review: Directed by Mike Barker, Shana Stein, Quyen Tran, and Jet Wilkinson. The Hulu series stars Chase Infiniti as Agnes, Lucy Halliday as Daisy, and the ever-commanding Ann Dowd returning as Aunt Lydia, alongside Brad Alexander as Garth, Hattie Kragten as Constance, Zarrin Darnell-Martin as Aunt Gabbana and others. Developed under the creative guidance of Bruce Miller, the series runs for 10 episodes and serves as a follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale.
The Testaments Review
In contrast to its predecessor, The Hulu series The Testaments centres on the next generation that must grow up in this authoritarian system. While The Handmaid’s Tale featured stories that took place from the perspective of outsiders who were thrust into this dystopian society, this show tells the story of two girls who come to terms with their existence in Gilead. Agnes is a young woman who grew up under this system and knows no other way than obedience. On the other hand, Daisy is an outsider who was forced to adjust quickly to her surroundings.
What I adore about the series is that, on one side, Hulu’s The Testaments is that it carries all that comes with the thematic gravity of The Handmaid’s Tale; on the other side, it embraces a young adult storytelling approach. Well, that blend actually works, but not all too well. There are times when The Handmaid’s Tale is absolutely absorbing, namely, when it deals with the psychological indoctrination of these kids. Seeing how they start questioning the system imposed on them is truly remarkable.
Chase Infiniti as Agnes is undoubtedly the best character in the entire show. The strength of her acting lies in the way she captures the internal turmoil of the character through her subtle actions. Agnes does not come off as a brash rebel but rather a reserved one whose defiance seems to be in doubt at times, making it even stronger. Her portrayal captures the complexity of a woman who has been conditioned by the system and challenges it through minor actions.
On the contrary, Lucy Halliday’s portrayal of Daisy is somewhat inconsistent. I found her more convincing in the earlier instalments as she struggles to come to terms with the new reality of Gilead. Her portrayal is believable and real. However, as the series unfolds, the development of her character falls short of my expectations. At some points, Daisy appears one-dimensional and lacks depth. She seems to be in just one emotional state without much variation.
However, there is no doubt that when discussing this series, one cannot fail to mention Ann Dowd’s portrayal of Aunt Lydia. Although her presence in the series is not as pronounced as it was in The Handmaid’s Tale, she can still draw viewers’ attention each time she is on screen. This version of Lydia looks more contemplative, as if she carries all the responsibility of what she has created within herself.
Also Read: Feel My Voice Review: Heartfelt Drama That Strikes Familiar Notes but Still Finds Its Own Voice
Talking about the side characters, particularly the girls in the school, brings a new dynamic to the plot. Although friendships are frowned upon in Gilead, these bonds end up being among the most interesting elements of the TV series. There is something truly heartwarming about how these relationships blossom despite the oppressive environment.
However, the series does have some problems when it comes to writing. In some cases, the script can be a bit too on the nose, while in others, the voice-overs fall flat and take the audience out of the moment rather than adding to it. This problem is most apparent in scenes meant to be impactful but ultimately come off as a little disappointing.
Another problem with the series is how it deals with its greater aspects of politics and resistance. Although the concept of revolution is ever-present, there are some points where the way things happen becomes slightly awkward. For example, there are events that happen in the story which feel too convenient or unplanned, causing an immersion break. But despite that, it doesn’t completely affect the viewing experience.
From a visual perspective, however, The Testaments series is breathtaking. The change in colours makes it unique but still associated with its predecessor. The eerily beautiful look of everything adds to the dark plot. It is one of those visual aspects that enhance the story without making it seem showy.
Hulu The Testaments Review: Summing Up
All in all, I would say that The Testaments is a good follow-up on the tale of Gilead, even though it does not quite match the original. In my opinion, the novel is more relatable and somewhat faster paced; it relies heavily on its younger characters, who are sure to attract another crowd of readers. That being said, it cannot find a proper balance between its tone and language.
