The Wasteland Reviewer

The Housemaid (2025) Written Review

What would you do for a well-paying job and a place to live? In 2025, that sounds like an exciting proposition and would be hard to resist. That is even harder to say no when you have restrictions, why you cannot hold a job. That job opportunity and housing being in a large mansion goes a long way as well. You can only hope that the family giving you this opportunity isn’t completely crazy or problematic…that part might be too much to ask for. When you look at Freida McFadden’s novel coming to the big screen, The Housemaid certainly tells a story quite like that…and then some. 

How does Paul Feig navigate McFadden’s novel on the big screen? Feig has a legacy of humor and comedy, and you can feel that sprinkled throughout The Housemaid. Feig doesn’t need to be throwing out a full-blown comedy with wall-to-wall laughs, but he does find humor in any type of narrative or scenario. Overall, The Housemaid is an effective thriller. Feig finds some real tension and suspense in this beautiful looking mansion. You are never quite sure what the characters’ motivations might be and that gives Feig the space to play with the audience. What is most effective is when Feig plays with the audience. There are some good moments of dark wit and camera winks acknowledging just how ridiculous this whole scenario is. There are plenty of darkly funny moments with sharp comedic timing. The film has a sleek feel and presentation as well as a score that underpins the whole vibe that Feig is crafting. There are some moments where the film spends a little too much time on less engaging elements, but Feig keeps the audience’s tension for over two hours. 

How does McFadden’s dark and twisted tale come to life on screen? Rebecca Sonnenshine’s screenplay has plenty of heavy lifting here in crafting an engrossing, compelling, and entertaining ride. From a story structure perspective, the film does play around with timelines and reveals that gives the film intrigue and shock value along the way. There are elements that feel a little too heavy handed in the exposition and some elements that feel like a tad too convenient but there is plenty of entertainment to be had. There is some sharp dark comedy along the way which elevates the film compared to when it is trying to be a straight thriller. There is a bit of flab in the middle of the story which helps make the runtime reach over two hours (which feels too long). The film’s strength lies in its themes that become more apparent as this mystery thriller unravels before the audience. Toxic relationships, gaslighting, abuse, financial hostages, and more…oh my. Sonnenshine packs a lot into this screenplay which turns out to be quite a punch in the end. The film starts having more fun with itself as it reaches its climax and it even has a crazy stinger at the end that is quite intriguing.

What makes this film truly come together? This dynamic trio of actors really comes together and delivers a thrilling and entertaining ride. Sydney Sweeney is the lead as this troubled young woman who takes this job as the live-in maid to a rich family. Sweeney is kind and sweet at times while showing her true nature in little moments. Millie is tough as nails and Sweeney delivers the right attitude and presence to make that believable. She is even quite seductive and sexy when given the opportunity. Her little comments along the way are some of the most entertaining parts of the film. Amanda Seyfried swings wild with her performance, and the film is better for it. Her big energy gives the film plenty of personality that it desperately needs. She goes from sweet to tough to unhinged so confidently making her the most interesting part of the film. Brandon Sklenar might seem like the perfect, charming, and handsome husband character but he really gets to flex his range in some unexpected and exciting ways. They all match each other’s energy and have great chemistry together. 

Is The Housemaid a strong and entertaining thriller to enjoy this holiday season? Feig has some fun with his needle drops, sharp humor, and camp that makes The Housemaid stand out amongst the high volume of domestic thrillers out there. The main acting trio really make this film rise above its long runtime, flabby narrative, and cliches. Entertaining from start to finish, The Housemaid is a domestic thriller that can connect against demographics with its knowing attitude.