THE HOUSEMAID is a psychological thriller starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar, adapted from the 2022 novel by Freida McFadden. The film follows Millie, a young woman in desperate need of work who takes a live-in housemaid job with the Wilchester family, only to slowly realize that the household she has entered is full of secrets. Going into this movie without having read the novel, I genuinely did not know where the story was heading, which worked in the film’s favor. It keeps you uneasy and curious, pulling you in without revealing too much too soon.
The movie shares similar unsettling themes with films like Get Out and Don’t Worry Darling, creating a constant feeling of discomfort while still keeping you hooked. One of the strongest aspects of the film is its character building, especially when it comes to Nina Wilchester, played by Amanda Seyfried. Nina is unpredictable, swinging between moments of forced normalcy and outright cruelty. Seyfried does an excellent job making the audience uncomfortable while also making Nina fascinating to watch. You never quite know where her head is at, and that tension elevates the entire film.
Brandon Sklenar also stands out as Andrew Wilchester, the charming and seemingly perfect husband. His performance works because you completely buy into the image he presents, which makes the cracks underneath even more interesting. Honestly, both Seyfried and Sklenar feel like the true driving forces of the film. At times, they outshine the lead performance, which is where the movie slightly stumbles.
Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of Millie was my biggest issue with the film. While there are moments where her flirtatious or reserved nature makes sense, much of her performance feels emotionally flat. Many of her line deliveries come across as stiff or lacking effort, especially when placed next to actors who are fully committing to their roles. It sometimes felt like she was reading lines rather than reacting naturally to the increasingly disturbing situations around her, which pulled me out of the experience more than once.
There are also moments where the film leans a little too far into melodrama or bizarre convenience, almost like something out of a dramatic television episode. These moments can briefly take you out of the realism of the story, and you could feel the audience reacting with laughs or confusion. That said, they are only a handful of scenes and do not fully derail the experience. One thing the movie absolutely gets right is its setting. The environment feels small and claustrophobic, which is essential for a story like this. Keeping the action mostly confined to one location makes the tension feel tighter and more personal.
What I really appreciated is that the film does not rely on cheap jump scares. The true horror comes from not knowing the truth and slowly uncovering the secrets alongside Millie. Information is revealed at the same pace she experiences it, which keeps the suspense strong. While there are a few corny lines sprinkled throughout, the eerie tone and mystery are enough to keep you invested. Overall, The Housemaid is an effective and suspenseful thriller that makes for a solid date night movie, especially if you are in the mood for something uncomfortable, tense, and unpredictable.
THE HOUSEMAID is in Theaters on December 19th, 2025.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Uziel Lopez (Contributor) is a Houston native who enjoys early mornings, staying active through running, hitting the gym, and listening to music. He’s always up for a movie as long as there’s popcorn. Click Here to check out Uziel's Articles.