‘The Housemaid’ Review – A Stylish but Uneven Thriller Undercut by Sydney Sweeney’s Performance

Psychological thrillers with a provocative edge once thrived on the big screen, and a film like The Housemaid (2025) would have been right at home in that era. Directed by Paul Feig—whose career has often blended humor with tension in films like Bridesmaids and A Simple Favor—this adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel channels the energy of classics such as Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct. It has the ingredients of a ’90s crowd-pleaser, even if the current cinematic landscape is harder to predict. Taken on its own terms, The Housemaid delivers drama and twists, but it also struggles with its tone and suffers from a miscast lead.

A New Start That Quickly Turns Dark

Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney) accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried). The arrangement appears ideal: a luxurious mansion, a stable job, and a chance to rebuild her life. Nina lives there with her husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar) and their young daughter Cecelia.

But the welcoming atmosphere quickly collapses. Nina’s behavior shifts from friendly to controlling, then to openly hostile. Millie becomes the target of constant manipulation, emotional volatility, and demeaning tasks. As she grows closer to Andrew, Nina’s possessiveness intensifies, trapping Millie in a situation that becomes increasingly dangerous. What began as an opportunity soon becomes a nightmare.

A Rocky Opening That Feels Rushed

The film’s early scenes struggle to establish depth. Rebecca Sonnenshine’s screenplay hurries through character introductions, leaving the leads feeling more like exaggerated archetypes than real people. John Schwartzman’s cinematography gives the film a polished sheen, and Theodore Shapiro’s score keeps the tempo moving, but neither element elevates the material in the first act. The tone resembles a high-end Lifetime thriller—glossy, watchable, but lacking urgency.

That responsibility falls on the actors, and not all rise to the challenge.

Seyfried and Sklenar Shine in Strong Supporting Roles

Brandon Sklenar brings warmth and subtle mystery to Andrew, making him far more compelling than the writing suggests. Amanda Seyfried, meanwhile, is the film’s standout. She fully embraces Nina’s chaotic energy without turning the role into parody. In less capable hands, Nina’s “unhinged wife” portrayal might have felt reductive; Seyfried instead makes her captivating. Her performance gives the film its early spark and keeps it from losing momentum.

Sydney Sweeney’s Performance Holds the Film Back

Sydney Sweeney has delivered impressive work in the past, but her performance here lacks the emotional clarity the role requires. Millie’s internal conflict is reduced to subdued reactions, soft dialogue, and expressions that rarely match the escalating tension around her. Even when the script delivers major reveals in the second half, the impact is dulled by a portrayal that never fully connects.

It’s unfortunate because the movie itself becomes more gripping as it progresses.

A Stronger, More Engaging Second Half

Midway through, The Housemaid shifts direction, embracing bolder twists and a looser, more playful tone. The change in pacing revitalizes the narrative, echoing the stylish suspense that made A Simple Favor memorable. Although Sweeney’s performance remains static, Seyfried and Sklenar adapt brilliantly to the tonal evolution. Their characters deepen, and their chemistry heightens the intrigue.

A Trashy Thriller in the Best Possible Way

Like many thrillers from the ’90s, The Housemaid tries to incorporate commentary on misogyny, social privilege, and power imbalances. These themes are often handled clumsily, serving more as dramatic decoration than meaningful exploration. Yet, this exaggerated, soap-opera-like approach surprisingly works in the film’s favor. Its heightened melodrama becomes part of its entertainment value.

The film is crafted to provoke reactions—gasps, warnings shouted at the screen, and amusement during its edgier scenes. Even its sensual moments feel designed to stir the audience in a film that otherwise avoids overt eroticism. At its heart, The Housemaid is a rollercoaster that wants viewers to surrender to the experience rather than analyze it deeply.

Final Verdict: Imperfect but Entertaining

The Housemaid never fully decides what kind of film it wants to be. Its slow start, inconsistent tone, and an underwhelming lead performance keep it from reaching its potential. However, the gripping second half, unexpected twists, and standout work from Seyfried and Sklenar ultimately make it an engaging watch for anyone seeking a stylish, trashy thriller. For audiences who enjoy glossy, melodramatic storytelling, this film delivers exactly the escapism they’re looking for.

The Housemaid hits theaters

Released Date: December 19, 2025.
Directed by: Paul Feig.
Screenplay by: Rebecca Sonnenshine.
Based on: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden.
Produced by: Paul Feig, Todd Lieberman, & Laura Fischer.
Executive Producers: Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney, Alexander Young, Freida McFadden, Jennifer Booth, Will Greenfield, & Carly Elter.
Main Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone, Elizabeth Perkins, Indiana Elle, Mark Grossman, Hannah Cruz, Megan Ferguson, & Ellen Tamaki.
Cinematographer: John Schwartzman.
Composer: Theodore Shapiro.
Editor: Brent White.
Production Companies: Feigco Entertainment & Hidden Pictures.
Distributor: Lionsgate.
Runtime: 131 minutes.
Rated R.

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