As a film and TV fan, I’ve noticed how often we use the phrase “guilty pleasure.” It used to just mean enjoying something a little silly, like a cheesy reality show. But lately, it feels like it’s become a sneaky way to dismiss things that mostly appeal to women. It’s like if a lot of women love something, it’s automatically not “serious” entertainment. Thankfully, more and more people are calling this out, and honestly, it’s about time!
It’s key to remember that The Housemaid isn’t meant to be a serious drama. While it touches on complex issues, those themes aren’t the main focus. This story, by Freida McFadden, feels deliberately crafted for a movie adaptation – a sort of lighter take on Gone Girl. The original 2022 book has already led to two sequels and a short story, all revolving around Millie (played by Sydney Sweeney in the film) and her troubled past, which brings her into the lives of Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar).
The Housemaid Is The Most Fun You’ll Have At The Movies This Year
Millie is in a tough spot at the start of The Housemaid. Because of her criminal record, it’s hard to find work, and her parole requires steady employment to avoid returning to prison for the final five years of her sentence. This leads her to the Winchesters, who seem to desperately need help, though the reason isn’t immediately obvious. Once Millie is hired, Nina makes her life miserable, revealing dark secrets that will dramatically alter all three of their futures.
Revealing any of the surprises in this story would ruin it, as the twists are a major part of the enjoyment. While The Housemaid follows in the footsteps of twisty thrillers like Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl and its film adaptation, that doesn’t detract from its quality. The structure is similar to Gone Girl, but thanks to strong acting and a confident direction from Paul Feig, this movie delivers a thrilling experience that’s unique and engaging.
Paul Feig is a comedy veteran, responsible for hits like Bridesmaids and Spy. However, with this film, as he did with A Simple Favor, he focuses more on mystery – and with much greater success. He directs the scenes like a horror film, portraying Amanda Seyfried’s character, Nina, as increasingly unsettling as her grip on reality weakens. She doesn’t just haunt Millie; she actively terrorizes her, from deliberately destroying the kitchen to constantly misleading her under the guise of simple misunderstandings.
Amanda Seyfried, also appearing in The Testament of Ann Lee, delivers a delightfully unhinged performance and clearly relishes the role. While her co-star, Sweeney, isn’t quite as strong a match, Seyfried’s energetic performance still shines. Sweeney has some good moments as well, occasionally finding her footing in the film’s more intense scenes and showcasing a subtle, dry wit that suggests her potential as a leading actress.
Sydney Sweeney is a truly talented actress when she’s given the right part, as demonstrated by her compelling performances in HBO’s Reality and this year’s Christy – despite its imperfections, the film is carried by her powerful acting. However, in this particular project, she seems overshadowed by Seyfried, until she’s able to fully embrace the intense, unhinged energy of the story’s final moments.
Sklenar feels a bit underused, possibly because his character doesn’t really drive the story. While he’s shown he can command attention on screen in shows like 1923 and Drop, here he mostly supports the complex dynamic between Nina and Millie, often appearing in the background and showcasing his physical build.
The issues with the plot of The Housemaid aren’t really important. The movie is fast-paced and cleverly constructed, which easily outweighs any imperfections. In fact, those imperfections are part of what make it so enjoyable, so it’s best not to dwell on them while watching.
Many will likely see The Housemaid as a fun, albeit slightly trashy, indulgence – and that’s perfectly okay! It’s intentionally over-the-top, but director Paul Feig keeps things light and Amanda Seyfried delivers a wonderfully committed performance. This combination makes The Housemaid one of the most purely enjoyable movies of 2025, even when it touches on more serious themes.
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2025-12-16 20:02