Oldboy and No Other Choice director Park Chan-wook turns to the past for a BAFTA-winning sensual, florid adaptation of Sarah Waters’ Fingersmith.
1930s Korea is under the control of the Japanese empire. Young maid Sookee is hired by Hideko, a reclusive heiress who lives in a sprawling mansion under the watchful eye of her domineering Uncle Kouzuki. But Sookee harbours a secret: she has been recruited by Fujiwara, a scheming con artist posing as a Japanese Count, to trick Hideko into entrusting him with her fortune.
However, when Sookee and Hideko develop unexpected feelings for each other, more double-crossing comes into play. The machinations of the plot make The Handmaiden a compelling watch, but director Park’s sumptuous visuals and his willingness to unsettle add beauty and tension in equal measure.
Screening as part of LGBTQ+ History Month 2026: Telling Stories at Showroom, this historical drama adapted from Sarah Waters Fingersmith places it’s thrilling, twisty plot in a time and place not often associated with queer stories.
Introduction: The Handmaiden will be introduced by members of Gut Level’s Freak Film Club, a monthly film club for trans and non-binary people to fly their freak flag.
LGBTQ+ History Month 2026: Telling Stories – Fantasy and Reality
This year's LGBTQ+ History Month features a range of new releases, classic films, and special events which explore experiences of queer life past and present, alongside fantastical escapes from the everyday.
Director Park Chan-wook
Year 18
Duration
2h 24m
Language Korean with English Subtitles
Cast Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo