Based on Freida McFadden’s best-selling novel, THE HOUSEMAID is a twisted, campy thriller that is sure to leave you entertained and cheering from your seat. For anyone that hasn’t read the book, it’s best going into this movie knowing as little as possible; I think you’ll enjoy it more. And for fans of the book, I’ve heard it stays pretty loyal to what you should be expecting and the deviations are welcomed changes that won’t rock the boat too much. I do think director Paul Feig could have made the film slightly shorter—at over two hours, it dragged a bit about a third of the way in. But overall, I had a lot of fun with this wickedly satisfying movie that I imagine audiences will be rewatching and enjoying for years to come.
Set in the ritzy Great Neck, Long Island, the film opens on Millie (Sydney Sweeney) as she shows up to an opulent mansion to interview for a job as a housemaid. Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried) is looking for someone that can help cook and clean and sees Millie as the perfect person for the position. Millie eagerly accepts as the family is rich and the job comes with free room and board… I don’t think it hurts that Nina’s husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar) is super kind and attractive too. Little does anyone know, Millie had been living out of her car, doing what she could to make ends meet. This job is her way out of homelessness and her first real shot at getting ahead. But when Nina starts to show signs of mental health issues, lashing out over the smallest things, Millie starts to wonder if all of this is worth it.
Admittedly, I didn’t fully buy into the movie until about halfway in; it took me awhile to settle into the camp. And despite not reading the book, the “twists” aren’t very surprising if you care enough to pay attention to the foreshadowing. But after awhile, I started to really have fun with it—especially after the first big turn. The telegraphed plot points didn’t take away from the fun, it added to it. I was excited for the movie to “go there,” and wondered just how far past the limit it was willing to go.
A big element of what made me really start to enjoy myself was Amanda Seyfried’s diabolical performance. At first you may think she is overdoing it a bit, but as you settle into the world of THE HOUSEMAID and begin to uncover what’s going on, you are going to appreciate it more and more. I love that her character is a walking stick of dynamite; from scene to scene you never know what you’re going to get or when she may explode. Without getting into spoilers, Sydney Sweeney is more of the straight character—a reserved, less emotional yin to Seyfried’s manic yang. She pulls off the “nice girl” with a layer of darkness you can’t quite put your finger on. I’ll leave it at that.
THE HOUSEMAID swings for the fences and doesn’t make apologies for any foul balls. It knows the movie it wants to be and really leans into the exciting, campy tone of an unhinged thriller. With its stellar ensemble cast and titillating story, this is the perfect escapist movie for you to enjoy over the holiday season with a fully energized audience. Just make sure you bring some friends or family members with you because you are going to need to talk about it afterward!
My Review: B+