Elisabeth Moss, known for her intense role in "The Handmaid's Tale," steps into a new, albeit still murder-filled, chapter with "Imperfect Women," a psychological thriller set to premiere March 18 on Apple TV+.

A Lighter, Yet Still Lethal, Undertaking

Moss spent nearly a decade playing June Osborne in The Handmaid's Tale, so she wanted something completely different. Her latest project, "Imperfect Women," an adaptation of Araminta Hall's novel, offers a different kind of darkness: a murder mystery among friends.

Moss, who has been developing the series since 2019, didn't specifically plan for it to be her immediate follow-up to "Handmaid's." Delays caused by the pandemic and Hollywood strikes pushed its timeline. But the desire for something fresh was clear. She wanted a show that felt "very different from Handmaid's," something "much more fun and much more entertaining and more of a water cooler show," she told The Hollywood Reporter at the show's L.A. premiere.

And honestly, the location change didn't hurt either. "Shooting in L.A. in the summer versus Toronto in the winter, it's not bad," Moss admitted. She recalled moments on set, in beautiful houses and restaurants, where she'd turn to crew members who also worked on "Handmaid's Tale" and remark on the stark contrast to "the woods in the middle of the night and the snow."

Unraveling Secrets Among Friends

"Imperfect Women" centers on a crime that shatters the lives of three longtime friends. Moss stars as Mary, alongside Kerry Washington as Eleanor and Kate Mara as Nancy. The series, which examines guilt, retribution, love, and betrayal, begins when Nancy is found dead, forcing her friends to confront hidden truths and secrets that unravel their decades-long bond.

Moss and Washington both executive produce the show. Showrunner Annie Weisman noted her surprise at which role Moss chose to play, suggesting it wasn't what might be expected given her recent work. Moss was looking for a shake-up and aimed to collaborate with actresses she admired, a rare opportunity for someone who often carries a show as the sole lead.

The structure of "Imperfect Women" is unique, with a couple of episodes dedicated to each woman's perspective. Moss envisioned bringing together "three women who have all led their own shows and give them a show where they each get to kind of carry the ball for a while." She described it as getting "almost three shows in one show and then a fourth show that has all of us in it." The creative team also made some changes from the book, including setting the story in Los Angeles and tweaking the ending to keep book fans engaged with "exciting surprises."

Directing Insights and Ensemble Dynamics

Directing changed how Moss sees acting. Having directed episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale," she now holds a deeper appreciation for the craft. "The big thing that directing changed was that I appreciate acting so much more," she explained during a global press conference.

She recounted how actors can "bring you to your knees" with their performances, recalling tears shed while directing Ann Dowd in "The Handmaid's Tale." Moss said she discovered that actors "are amazing and they are so important." Despite this newfound appreciation, Moss opted not to direct any episodes of "Imperfect Women." She had just finished directing the first two and final two episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale's" last season, only three months after having her child. She decided to take a break and embrace her role within a "wonderful ensemble."

Working with Kerry Washington and Kate Mara proved to be a "beautiful experience" for Moss. She found both actresses to be "very authentic" and inspiring. Mara, a longtime fan of Moss, has known Washington since their teenage years. Washington, joking about Moss's initial call, said she hoped the material would be good because she "really want[ed] to work with her."

A Fresh Take on a Familiar Genre

Critics describe "Imperfect Women" as fitting into the emerging "Wine Mom Mystery" subgenre, a style popularized by shows like "Big Little Lies." These shows follow a formula: rich women, a crime, secrets, scandal, and plenty of shocking twists. "Imperfect Women" follows many of these genre hallmarks, but early reviews suggest it stands out as a "superior example."

The series is powered by its exceptionally strong cast and a surprising psychological depth, making it more than just a simple puzzle to solve. Flashbacks and voiceovers slowly reveal what really happened and what these women have been hiding. The result is a genuinely compelling mystery that keeps you guessing.

The psychological thriller, which also explores the compromises people make that irrevocably alter their lives, streams globally on Apple TV+ starting March 18.