Go in grace

It's the end of an era for Elisabeth Moss and the cast of The Handmaid's Tale as the dystopian drama bows out

- WORDS: LAURA CARRENO-MULLER

June Osborne's battle against the authoritarian regime of Gilead intensifies in the sixth and final series of The Handmaid's Tale. But while June continues to stir up rebellion on-screen, actress Elisabeth Moss is also leading a revolution behind the scenes.

For this concluding chapter of the critically acclaimed series - adapted from Margaret Atwood's groundbreaking 1985 novel - Elisabeth, 42, has taken on a dual role, directing four episodes while reprising her role as the show's tenacious lead.

"Lizzie is an incredible director," says Bradley Whitford, who plays the complex and often conflicted Commander Joseph Lawrence. "I can't have a better exchange than with a director like Lizzie, who knows she can tell me anything."

Elisabeth directed a handful of episodes for series four and five - but the sixth marks her greatest involvement yet. It's a fitting development for someone who's become the heartbeat of the show, both in front of and behind the camera, and she also serves as an executive producer.

For Bradley, working with Elisabeth is something of a full-circle moment. "I remember her at 17, back on The West Wing," says the 65-year-old. "Now, two decades later, she has become the centre of this show, demonstrating an incredible work ethic I've never seen before."