The Housemaid
Trying to escape her past, Millie Calloway accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina and Andrew Winchester. But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous—a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power.
Trailer
Review
From the moment Millie Calloway steps through the imposing gates of the Winchester estate, you know you're in for a ride. Paul Feig's 'The Housemaid' is a masterfully tense thriller that swaps his signature comedy for a simmering pot of psychological suspense. The film follows Millie (Sydney Sweeney), a woman seeking refuge in a luxurious live-in position, only to find the gilded cage of employers Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew (Brandon Sklenar) is lined with razor-sharp secrets. What unfolds is less a simple mystery and more a seductive, slow-burn power play where the true currency is information, and every character holds a piece of the puzzle. Feig demonstrates remarkable control over tone, building an atmosphere of opulent dread where a lingering glance or a misplaced key feels as threatening as a shouted accusation. The 131-minute runtime allows the tension to marinate, making the eventual boil-over all the more shocking. Cinematographer John Schwartzman bathes the mansion in cool, sterile blues and oppressive shadows, contrasting starkly with the warm, dangerous glow of hidden desires and late-night confrontations. The score is a character in itself—a minimalist, pulsating heartbeat that amplifies every moment of unease.
Pros
- ✓Sydney Sweeney delivers a career-best performance, masterfully portraying Millie's vulnerability and cunning intelligence with subtle physicality and expressive silence.
- ✓Paul Feig's confident direction and the sharp, layered screenplay create a consistently gripping atmosphere where the tension is psychological and deeply unsettling.
- ✓The dynamic between Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried is electric; their scenes together are a masterclass in unspoken rivalry and shifting power dynamics.
- ✓The production design and cinematography are impeccable, turning the Winchester mansion into a stunning yet suffocating character that mirrors the film's themes of entrapment.
Cons
- ✗The third act, while thrilling, relies on a few predictable thriller tropes that slightly undercut the originality of the preceding two acts.
- ✗Brandon Sklenar's character, Andrew, feels somewhat underwritten compared to the complex female leads, serving more as a catalyst than a fully realized person.
- ✗The film's deliberate pacing, though effective for mood, may test the patience of viewers seeking a more action-driven thriller.
'The Housemaid' is a sleek, sophisticated, and thoroughly engrossing thriller that proves Paul Feig is a versatile force behind the camera. It succeeds not through cheap jump scares, but through the exquisite agony of psychological manipulation and the terrifying allure of wealth and secrecy. The powerhouse performances, led by a revelatory Sydney Sweeney and a chillingly poised Amanda Seyfried, are worth the price of admission alone. While it stumbles slightly in its final revelations by embracing convention, the journey there is so meticulously crafted and emotionally charged that the destination remains satisfying. This is a film for adults who relish character-driven suspense, where the real monsters wear designer clothes and the most dangerous weapons are secrets. It's a potent reminder that the most beautiful facades often hide the darkest corners, making 'The Housemaid' one of the most compelling and stylish thrillers of the year.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers and erotic suspense (think 'Gone Girl' or 'The Handmaiden'), viewers who appreciate strong female-led narratives and nuanced performances, and audiences who enjoy lavish production design and atmospheric tension over action.
⭐ Standout Elements
The film's standout element is the dual-lead performance dynamic between Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Their chemistry is the engine of the movie—a mesmerizing dance of suspicion, imitation, and latent hostility that transforms every domestic interaction into a high-stakes psychological duel. This, combined with Feig's unexpected but successful genre pivot and the gorgeously oppressive production design, creates a uniquely immersive and unsettling experience.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents exceptional filmmaking that deserves your attention.
