The Housemaid Proves The Most Terrifying Secrets Are Hidden In Plain Sight • The Scoop
Known for delivering outrageous comedies, director Paul Feig takes a surprising detour into psychological thriller territory with The Housemaid. Based on Freida McFadden’s best-selling novel of the same name, Feig’s adaptation manages to translate the book’s mystery and suspense onto the big screen.
The Housemaid follows Millie Calloway, played by Sydney Sweeney, a young woman with a chequered past who jumps at the opportunity to work as a live-in housemaid for the seemingly perfect Winchester family.
At the helm of the family is Nina Winchester, played by Amanda Seyfried, whose initial polished exterior crumbles into a ruthless determination to destroy Millie’s life. The freshly hired housemaid’s situation is further complicated by her mutual attraction to Nina’s charming husband, Andrew, played by Brandon Sklenar.
As the film continues, dark secrets begin to unravel. It isn’t until the third act that the pieces finally fall into place, and the true nature of the Winchester household is revealed.
Sydney Sweeney is a young woman with a chequered past who works as a live in housemaid
Feig showcases an excellent grasp of the suspense genre by allowing the narrative to unfold with deliberate restraint rather than relying on the shock factor. Rebecca Sonnenshine’s screenplay allows The Housemaid to foreshadow future events with subtle references and clues that all pay off in both satisfying and unsettling ways as the film reaches its conclusion.
There are times when Sonnenshine assumes that the audience is familiar with McFadden’s The Housemaid. However, if you’re like me and didn’t get the chance to read McFadden’s award-winning source material prior to watching, don’t worry, there’s still plenty to appreciate as the film is able to stand confidently on its own.
Like many page-to-screen adaptations, The Housemaid often struggles with its pacing. The emphasis on developing a slow-burn tension means certain sequences linger much longer than they should.
Nevertheless, the film’s oppressive tone remains one of The Housemaid’s strongest assets, with the mood being able to engage the audience even when the narrative stumbles on familiar ground.
Seyfried and Sklenar bring a layered complexity to their roles that elevate the mystery
It’s hard to find the words to praise Seyfried and Sklenar’s compelling performances without giving too much away. Both actors bring a layered complexity to their roles that elevates the mystery and intrigue that lies at the heart of the film.
Much of the unease that is felt throughout the film comes from Feig’s ability to create a carefully controlled atmosphere within the Winchester home. The opening scene establishes the idyllic floor plan as somewhat of an oasis. However, as the suspense builds, the space feels increasingly claustrophobic rather than comforting.
Seyfried and Sklenar are particularly effective within this environment. Through the subtle shifts in body language and overall tone, the tension that Feig builds is able to escalate to new heights without ever entering melodramatic territory.
I can’t say too much else without spoiling the captivating twists and turns that are bound to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Whether you fancy a night out with the girls or a movie night at home, The Housemaid is a must-watch this Summer.
THE HOUSEMAID opens on 26 December at participating cinemas around Australia.
Search for a cinema near you at the website.
Website: https://thehousemaidmovie.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/housemaidmovie/
Watch the trailer here:
Film details:
Title: The Housemaid
Director: Paul Feig
Cast: Sydney Sweeney Amanda Seyfried Brandon Sklenar
Country of Origin: USA
Duration: 131 mins
