Back in December, I decided to check out a new erotic psychological thriller called “The Housemaid”, based on the popular 2022 novel of the same name. Admittedly, this was in large part to remove the taste of “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” out of my mouth, but the premise admittedly intrigued me and thankfully, the one trailer I viewed did a proper job of not revealing the film’s proverbial hand. Starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar, the film tells the story of a young woman looking for a fresh start opting to become a wealthy couple’s live-in housemaid, only to discover the sinister secrets they harbor. Now let’s discuss why the movie quickly became one of my favorites of the year.
2025’s “The Housemaid” is courtesy of Paul Feig, famous for gut-busters such as “Bridesmaids” and then more recently, the dark comedy, “A Simple Favor.” Fortunately, given the sensitive subject matter the film handles, Feig does not ratchet up the comic relief (save for the very occasional joke) and instead delivers a dark domestic tale that keeps audiences on their toes. Likewise, this is one of Feig’s best visually made films. Now, for a movie like “The Housemaid” to work, a stacked cast is required, namely, the three main players mentioned earlier.
Sweeney plays the titular housemaid, Millie. While certainly not an Oscar-worthy performance, she does a convincing enough job of portraying someone in the throes of an unexpected situation. Brandon Sklenar assumes the role of Andrew, the husband of the household. His character begins as generic; the charming, rich and long-suffering husband, but kudos to the actor, as this swiftly changes upon the film’s many twists and turns.
However, the MVP of the movie is by far Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester, based on the range she displays within our two-hour runtime. If nothing else, viewers will at least walk away remembering the actress’ on-screen absurdity. She could be a warm, bubbly, housewife or an absolute psychopath, depending on the scene. I could only imagine what it was like to bring such a character to life, a role that Seyfried enjoyed and clearly took in stride. If only the Academy took note!
More importantly, “The Housemaid” is cinematic evidence that not everything is as it seems. While having some predictable plot beats, the overall shift of the film truly caught me by surprise. I certainly recommend going in as blind as possible.
In conclusion, “The Housemaid” stands out as a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully blends dark themes with shocking narrative twists, showcasing strong performances, particularly from Seyfried. This film not only captivates with its visual storytelling but also serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre, calling back to classics such as “Fatal Attraction” or “Basic Instinct.” I personally rate “The Housemaid”, which is now available for digital purchase, 8.5/10!