The Handmaid’s Tale: Everything you need to know about D’Arcy Carden’s role as Aunt Phoebe

The Handmaid’s Tale made its debut in 2017. In no time, the show carved a niche for itself, redefining politically charged dramas on television. Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, the series traces a dystopian United States, ruled by a totalitarian regime named 'Gilead.' Gilead is a theocratic society that takes control of Fertile women, called 'Handmaids.’ These handmaids are coerced into childbearing servitude under the rule of 'Commanders' and their authoritarian wives.

The show has been both lauded and critiqued for its raw honesty and haunting similarities portrayed with autocratic forces of the real world. It also offers an insightful commentary on gender, autonomy, and resistance.

Throughout its 6 seasons, The Handmaid’s Tale relied on varied and ensemble characters to portray the oppressive ideologies of Gilead or the effort to destabilize them from within. Towards the final season, new faces are introduced, and the plot becomes even more layered. Among the new characters introduced is Aunt Phoebe, portrayed by D’Arcy Carden—a casting choice that adds emotional and political nuance to the show.

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Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers. Readers' discretion advised.

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Who is D’Arcy Carden?

D’Arcy Carden became popular with her breakout role in an entirely different genre. She emerged as Janet in the beloved NBC sitcom The Good Place. Her acting was marked by crisp comedic timing, emotional delivery, and undeniable presence, something that made the character a fan favorite. Her portrayal of Janet brought her an Emmy nomination and many critical accolades. Carden has previously appeared in shows like Barry, Broad City, and the film Shotgun Wedding.

Known for her comedic flair, when Carden joined the gritty tale of handmaids, she brought her prior acting experience to the show. Her casting in The Handmaid’s Tale both surprised and tied the audience more closely to the thrilling narrative of the show. This role marks a significant point in her acting career, showcasing a commitment to exploring more challenging roles.

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Enter aunt Phoebe: Who is she?

Phoebe is an ‘aunt.’ For those unfamiliar with Gilead's lore in the show, ‘Aunts’ were the group of women tasked with brainwashing, disciplining, and controlling the Handmaids. These aunts aren't just ruthless characters but a powerful tool of Gilead’s regime; they coerce women into obedience through psychological manipulation, punishment, and religious dogma.

Ann Dowd’s portrayal of Aunt Lydia shows how these women do anything to uphold the regime. Phoebe, however, is different from Aunt Lydia. She represents a different kind of threat—the new wave of Gilead Aunts, who both grasp the inner workings of Gilead and understand how the old systems are crumbling. She is cunning, persuasive, and quietly bold. Aunt Phoebe enters into the narrative of The Handmaid's Tale when cracks in Gilead’s foundation are becoming prominent, and the resistance is growing stronger.

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Everything you need to know about D’Arcy Carden’s role as Aunt Phoebe in The Handmaid's Tale

Aunt Lydia ruthlessly controls the Handmaids, but Phoebe’s approach is subtler. She believes in control, not just through fear but through influence. She does what is sociologically known as ideological subjugation. She gets into the handmaids’ mind by empathy. But soon enough, she begins her ideological persuasion using the rapport, only to rewire their beliefs from within. This makes her hauntingly dangerous—she knows the art of deception all too well.

Lydia’s methods may have been direct and raw, but Phoebe’s methods are more chilling. She understands the play of power and positions herself accordingly. In many ways, her character represents how authoritarian regimes evolve, always by first winning the trust of people at the receiving end. Phoebe, like regimes of autocracy, uses psychological conditioning and manufactured consent.

1. Aunt Phoebe's relationship with June

Aunt Phoebe significantly influences June's final journey. Unlike her deeply antagonistic and troubled relationship with Aunt Lydia, Phoebe starts afresh. She keeps her exchanges with June unpredictable. Phoebe gives June an idea that she is interested in understanding her, but in the ruthless world of Gilead, such interests only serve as bait.

2. Phoebe takes a subtle approach

Phoebe likely looks at June not as an antagonistic subject, but as a symbol to be converted. She tries to use ideological seduction rather than conventional punishment and torture. The result of this approach is likely fruitful. With this approach, the dynamic between June and Phoebe becomes a pivotal source of curiosity and viewer engagement.

D'Arcy Carden's role as Aunt Phoebe in The Handmaid's Tale is particularly special due to several unique aspects she brings to the character and the show.

3. Shifting perceptions and unpredictability

Carden brings a freshness to the portrayals of Gilead Aunts. This refreshing unpredictability is triggered by the fact that initially, Phoebe seems like a loyal Aunt. However, the deception soon slips, and the viewers soon learn the truth: Phoebe, a Mayday loyalist, works quietly to help the resistance from within.

This subversion of audience expectation is interesting for the narrative. On screen, this haunting portrayal shocks the viewers who were only familiar with Carden's background in comedy. Her interactions with June are different, allowing the show to have a "cat-and-mouse" dynamic that makes one constantly glued to the unfolding tale.

4. Carden brings a new menace to the character

Carden carries a fresh nuance to the portrayal of Gilead's Aunt. Through her character, the show offers a warning: we need to be mindful of likable villains. This nuanced approach gives Phoebe's character more grit and depth. She is serious yet occasionally cheeky, but never not grounded in emotional truth.

5. Strategic importance and thematic evolution

Phoebe's character is crucial for the show's endgame when it comes to Mayday's plans. She plays an important part in the scheming. She aids in coordinating the Handmaids for the wedding attack and distracts the ever-ruthless Aunt Lydia. Carden's casting marks a change in theme for The Handmaid's Tale. As the show continues towards a sequel, characters like Phoebe help the narrative bridge into the newer moral territory, possibly to be explored in upcoming renditions of Atwood's novel.

Final Thoughts

As a fresh sequel of the show waits in line, Aunt Phoebe is poised to be a key player in the story’s endgame. Whether she turns out to be a true believer, a subversive warning, or a symbol of Gilead’s future remains to be seen in time. But one thing’s put in stone: D’Arcy Carden’s drastic transformation from a comedic genius to a hauntingly ruthless Aunt is a testament to her varied acting range.

Also read: The Handmaid’s Tale: Hidden details from the books you missed in the show