Everyone Expected a Flop but This New Thriller Got 92% on RT: The Catch? It's Still Deeply Flawed

The premiere of The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, was met with skepticism. Based on a popular novel, the story of a housekeeper in a luxurious yet dangerous mansion sounded formulaic.

However, director Paul Feig's film managed to surprise audiences. It shows how the skillful use of proven formulas can lead to success, even if it falls short of a masterpiece.

What Is 'The Housemaid' About?

Millie gets a job as a housekeeper at the luxurious Winchester mansion. At first, the job seems perfect, offering a high salary, housing in a beautiful home, and a free phone. However, this idyll soon crumbles.

Nina, the landlady, starts acting unpredictably and aggressively, and the gardener watches Millie's every move. The only bright spot is Andrew, the head of the family, whose attention quickly develops into mutual attraction.

But this romance proves to be a fatal mistake, plunging Millie into a maelstrom of dark family secrets. Meanwhile, Millie has a dangerous past and no intention of becoming someone else's prisoner again.

'The Housemaid' Doesn't Bring Anything New to the Genre, but Uses Familiar Formulas to Keep You Glued to Your Screen

The Housemaid script isn't particularly original – it features a love triangle, family secrets, and predictable plot twists. However, director Paul Feig skillfully navigates this material, creating a dynamic and captivating spectacle.

The action moves quickly, constantly throwing new twists – from Nina's unexpected antics to the hints of an intimate relationship between Millie and Andrew.

As a result, The Housemaid is a cleverly assembled collection of familiar elements that, despite its simplicity, never lets you get bored.

'The Housemaid's Main Asset Is Amanda Seyfried, While Sydney Sweeney Is the Weakest Link

Amanda Seyfried delivers a brilliant, multilayered performance as Nina – she convincingly transforms from a radiant, perfect wife into a cruel woman on the verge of a breakdown.

Sydney Sweeney pales in comparison – her portrayal of Millie is flat and emotionless, as if the actress genuinely doesn't care what's happening around her.

Only toward the end, during the fight-for-survival scenes, does Sweeney come to life. Overall, however, her performance lacks the boldness and sharpness of the character in the book, and falls short in comparison to Seyfried's acting.

'The Housemaid' Is a Gripping Psychological Thriller, but Don't Expect Anything Outstanding

The Housemaid fulfills its primary purpose of providing entertainment and suspense. It contains all the necessary elements: secrets, scandals, sexual innuendos, and a bloody denouement.

However, the movie lacks depth and genuine psychological acuity. The claustrophobic atmosphere of the trap, so powerfully described in the novel, is only schematically conveyed onscreen.

The director dwelled too much on the romantic passions in the first half, resulting in a rushed finale that should have built suspense.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Housemaid'?

• The Housemaid has 75% from critics and 92% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.9/10.

• On Letterboxd, The Housemaid scored 3.1/5.0.

Where to Watch 'The Housemaid'?

The Housemaid is currently playing in theaters.