1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl, Sook-hee, is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, Hideko, who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering Uncle Kouzuki. But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count to help him seduce the Lady to steal her fortune.

The Handmaiden uses a Victorian crime novel as the loose inspiration for another visually sumptuous and absorbingly idiosyncratic outing from director Park Chan-wook.

'The Handmaiden' is acclaimed for its intricate plot, breathtaking visuals, and powerful acting by Kim Min-hee and Kim Tae-ri. The film delves into love, betrayal, and power, earning praise for its artistic direction and the director's skill. However, some critics deem the explicit sexual scenes excessive and the pacing slow, with a lengthy runtime. Certain portrayals and scenes also cause discomfort among viewers. Despite these issues, 'The Handmaiden' is widely seen as a daring and visually striking movie.