Review: 'The Housemaid' (2025)

Disclosure: I received a free Digital copy for review. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. [*]

I've been contemplating my thoughts on The Housemaid, the 2025 Lionsgate film based on Freida McFadden's bestselling novel. For the record, I read the first two books but somehow neglected to share my thoughts on this blog. The film, directed by Paul Feig, known predominantly for comedies like the lackluster remake of Ghostbusters and the underrated Last Christmas, was an unexpected choice for an erotic thriller, but he surprisingly exceeded my expectations. The cast boasts Sydney Sweeney (who also serves as executive producer), Amanda Seyfried (with a rather obvious vanity executive producer credit), Brandon Sklenar (Drop, 1923), Michele Morrone (365 Days and its sequels), and Elizabeth Perkins (Big, Weeds). Against a modest $35 million budget, the film has grossed an impressive $396 million, emerging as a sleeper hit.

The plot unfurls like a carefully folded curtain: Millie (Sweeney), seeking to escape her troubled past, takes on a job as a live-in housemaid for the affluent Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Sklenar). However, what initially seems like a dream job soon descends into an intricate web of danger—a seductive game riddled with secrets, scandals, and power plays. The enigmatic closed doors of the Winchester household hide shocking twists that keep you guessing until the very last frame.

The Housemaid is now available for digital enjoyment ^[*] and on various physical formats, including 4K UHD (+Blu-ray + Digital) ^[*], Blu-ray (+Digital) ^[*], and DVD ^[*]. The digital special features offer a treasure trove for fans: From Page to Panic: Making of The Housemaid, Secrets of the Winchester House: A Housemaid Tour, A Peek Inside Featurette, deleted scenes, and Pushing It Over the Edge: Creating the Stunts (a Fandango Exclusive).

Now, I wouldn’t exactly classify Freida McFadden’s works as fine literature; they serve more as a guilty pleasure, a delightful escapism. Her books, including The Housemaid, are woven with unpredictable twists and multiple character perspectives, a narrative style I thought would be too complex to translate well onto the screen. Yet, I stand corrected, Paul Feig and screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine crafted a surprisingly astute adaptation that remains faithful to the novel's essence. Sydney Sweeney shines as the not-so-innocent twenty-something housemaid embroiled in a steamy affair with her married employer, played by Brandon Sklenar, whose performance is mesmerizingly intense, if not a touch deadly. Amanda Seyfried, too, delivers a hauntingly brilliant portrayal of Mrs. Winchester, teetering on the edge of sanity.

Honestly, modern films often leave me underwhelmed. I had planned to dismiss The Housemaid outright, convinced that, having read the book, I would emerge disappointed by the cinematic version. However, after stumbling upon a rather unexpected endorsement from an overly enthusiastic middle-aged Star Trek YouTuber, my curiosity was piqued. Reluctantly, I decided to give it a shot, and to my surprise, I found myself thoroughly captivated. The direction, performances, and music choices are spot on, but the screenplay is the real star here: a clever and faithful adaptation that keeps you guessing. It’s thrilling, imbued with moments of erotic tension, and even manages to creep you out. Despite knowing the outcome, I found myself on the edge of my seat, gripped by the unfolding drama.

I highly recommend The Housemaid. Stream it or purchase it. It’s worth every second. ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess