Based on the 2022 novel by Freida McFadden, The Housemaid follows Millie (Sydney Sweeney), who is hired as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Winchester family, made up of Nina (Amanda Seyfried), her husband, Andrew (Brandon Sklenar), and her daughter, Cecelia (Indiana Elle).
McFadden’s thriller was an international bestseller for good reason. It was compulsively readable and packed full of twists and turns. And having read the novel prior to watching the adaptation, I am pleased to report it is a fairly faithful adaptation in terms of character and plot, though it is enacted on a larger (and bloodier) scale. This is not director Paul Feig’s first foray into thriller filmmaking and it is evident how his experience working on the A Simple Favour films, with their blend of dark comedy, twisted plots and gory violence, helped him bring The Housemaid to life on the big screen.
By far, the best element of the film is the portrayal of rich housewife Nina by Seyfried, who is fully committed in her delivery of Nina’s most unhinged moments, from tearing up her own kitchen to menacingly waving around a shard of glass. Since her performance is so scene-stealingly watchable, it can make the rest of the cast’s performances appear slightly lacklustre, particularly in the film’s first half. Initially, Sweeney’s performance seems passive, as Millie operates as more of a niave bystander to the Winchester’s antics. However, she is given much more to do in the last third, bringing a more animated, playful and compelling dimension to the character, whilst Skellnar does a good job playing the role of caring husband and doting step-father, the antithesis to his seemingly crazed wife.
Undoubtedly, this was one of the most fun cinema experiences I’ve had in recent memory...
This is very much a film of two halves, and if you have yet to read the novel, going into this film with as little knowledge as possible is the best way to enjoy it, hence why I am keeping this review spoiler free. Despite its longer runtime of 131 minutes, the film is well structured and never drags, with an intriguing set up which builds up to a tense second half that comes to head in an explosive third act which goes berserk in the very best way. Undoubtedly, this was one of the most fun cinema experiences I’ve had in recent memory, with the audience laughing and cringing at all the right moments and if you get a chance to view this film with a crowd, I would 100% recommend it.
All of that is not to say the film is without its faults. Along with certain characters feeling one note at times, there are moments where the film is extremely far-fetched, with a screenplay that is fairly exposition-heavy and plot points which are ridiculous when given any more than a second's thought to. However, the film has the strength of knowing exactly what it is - a camp rollercoaster ride of a thriller that doesn’t take itself overly seriously and doesn’t expect the audience to either.
It is not going to win any Oscars, nor will it likely play well with stoic audience members who are looking for a more serious adaptation, but as a ‘take your brain out’ film watching experience, The Housemaid was undeniably enjoyable. I wouldn’t personally rank it higher than 3 out of 5 stars but if you’re craving an entertaining and fast-paced mystery thriller, look no further than this film. You can also consider my seat already reserved for the sequel, The Housemaid’s Secret, which is reportedly in the works to be adapted with Feig returning to the director’s seat. After all, who doesn’t love a guilty pleasure?