Overflowing with secrets, reversals, and gleefully unhinged drama, “The Housemaid” turns Freida McFadden’s bestselling 2022 novel into a slick, soapy psychological thriller that thrives on excess. Anchored by bold performances from Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney, the film delivers an unpredictable ride that feels tailor-made for audiences craving escapist entertainment.
Directed by Paul Feig and written by Rebecca Sonnenshine, The Housemaid leans fully into its pulp roots. It embraces melodrama rather than shying away from it, crafting a glossy cinematic experience that plays like a guilty-pleasure page-turner brought vividly to life.
A Seemingly Perfect Job Turns Dark
The story centers on Millie Calloway (Sweeney), a young woman on probation who is desperate for a fresh start. Nearly destitute and guarded about her past, she accepts a live-in housekeeping job at the elegant Long Island home of Nina Winchester (Seyfried), a wealthy wife and mother with a carefully curated exterior.
At first, the opportunity feels like a lifeline. Millie has room, board, and steady work. But cracks quickly appear. Nina begins lashing out, accusing Millie of mistakes she didn’t make and engaging in psychological manipulation that grows more disturbing by the day.
Tension Builds Inside the Winchester Home
Nina’s husband, Andrew (Brandon Sklenar), is frequently absent, but when he appears, he apologizes for his wife’s erratic behavior. His kindness toward Millie creates an uneasy dynamic that fuels Nina’s jealousy and paranoia.
As Millie becomes more entangled in the household, alliances shift and secrets surface. Late-night bonding between Millie and Andrew only heightens the tension, pushing the story toward increasingly volatile territory.
Performances That Fully Commit
Seyfried delivers a standout performance as Nina, leaning into the character’s volatility with fearless intensity. Her portrayal balances manic energy with menace, transforming Nina into a figure who is both unsettling and strangely compelling.
Sweeney matches her beat for beat, portraying Millie as resilient, sharp, and emotionally guarded. The role showcases her range, allowing her to play both vulnerability and strength without losing credibility.
Sklenar rounds out the central trio as Andrew, a polished but passive presence whose choices quietly escalate the chaos.
A Thriller That Knows Exactly What It Is
Feig, best known for A Simple Favor and Bridesmaids, skillfully orchestrates the escalating rivalry and simmering attraction at the heart of the film. The result is a thriller that never pretends to be restrained. Instead, it revels in its twists, refusing subtlety in favor of bold narrative turns.
The film’s pleasures lie in watching its story unravel. Each revelation reframes what came before, encouraging viewers to stay one step ahead—only to be gleefully outmaneuvered.
Verdict
The Housemaid is not interested in realism. It is interested in entertainment—and it succeeds. With two committed leads and a script packed with delicious surprises, the film offers a wildly enjoyable experience that feels perfect for a stress-relieving night at the movies.
