Key Highlights
- The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig and based on the 2022 novel of the same name, has received mixed but generally positive reviews from critics.
- Amanda Seyfried’s performance is a highlight, described as “a force of nature” by some critics.
- The film centers on Sydney Sweeney’s character who discovers dark secrets when she works for an affluent couple.
Introduction to The Housemaid: A Psychological Thriller
The Housemaid, a psychological thriller directed by Paul Feig and based on the 2022 novel of the same name by Freida McFadden, hits theaters this weekend. With a cast featuring Amanda Seyfried alongside Sydney Sweeney and Brandon Sklenar, the film promises to be an edge-of-your-seat experience, particularly for those who enjoy female-driven tales that march right up to the edge of horror.
Amanda Seyfried: A Force of Nature on Screen
Critics overwhelmingly agree that Amanda Seyfried’s performance is a standout in The Housemaid. As the film’s lead actress, she brings a level of intensity and depth to her role, which some reviewers describe as “a force of nature.” According to David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter, Seyfried “swaps the ecstatic rapture of The Testament of Ann Lee for a different kind of hysteria,” making her character’s transformation both captivating and chilling.
The Plot: A Tale of Secrets and Suspense
Set against the backdrop of an affluent household, The Housemaid follows Sydney Sweeney’s character who is hired as a housemaid. As she delves deeper into the lives of her employers, Amanda Seyfried’s character begins to uncover dark secrets that threaten not only their peace but also her own safety. Pete Hammond from Deadline Hollywood Daily notes, “We see immediately The Housemaid is not what we thought it might be, meaning the old trope where the new hire is really the crazy one, not the employer.” This unexpected twist keeps the audience on edge and intrigued.
Critical Reception: A Faithful but Challenging Adaptation
While The Housemaid is described as a faithful adaptation of its source material, critics are divided on how well it captures the essence of the original story. Nikki Baughan from Screen International states, “Feig and Sonnenshine largely stay faithful to the book – apart from glamming up (and slimming down) the character of Nina.” The film’s screenplay, co-written by Rebecca Sonnenshine, is praised for its Hitchcockian precision and gallows humor, making even eyebrow-raising events suspenseful.
Conclusion
A Guilty Pleasure for the Holidays
Overall, The Housemaid has garnered a mixed but generally positive reception. Critics like Clarisse Loughrey from The Independent describe it as “the guilty pleasure of the season,” highlighting its over-the-top nature and its ability to provide viewers with a thrilling yet campy experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a tense psychological thriller or just looking for some festive entertainment, The Housemaid is set to be a hit on Christmas Day. The film opens in theaters on December 19, 2025, promising audiences a night of suspense and excitement.
