Like pulling teeth… quite literally, The Housemaid is a gripping, intriguing, and painfully interesting watch.
Based on the acclaimed 2022 bestseller by Freida McFadden, The Housemaid has made its way to the big screen, despite how painful the journey is.
Set on the outskirts of New York, Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried take the audience on a riveting journey of high emotions and trauma, disguised with the mask of a perfect family. At first glance, it seems like nothing could possibly go wrong, until it very quickly does.
Desperate for a job, Millie (Sweeney) lands what she seemingly believes is the perfect job working for a modern-day aristocratic family. What she soon finds out is that she has just made one big mistake.
It’s a lesson that what may seem perfect can often be anything but. Family secrets, lies and trauma are soon put on display for all to see. All that is left to complete the mix is finding an innocent bystander to swoop in and take over. It poses an interesting question: how much of a price would you pay for your freedom?
In this fast-paced adventure, the tables can turn so suddenly that you won’t expect what’s just around the corner, because honestly, anything could happen.
Fear and panic turn into lust and passion, tied in with a lot of suspense, and the audience will automatically be sitting on the edge of their seats.
At many points of the movie, the audience will find themselves covering their eyes and shrieking with that blissful combination of fear and excitement. But this is exactly what makes The Housemaid a captivating watch.
From a moviegoer’s perspective, there are flaws. It is still puzzling as to why Sydney Sweeney is cast in demanding dramatic leads such as these, until a certain point in the film, where that question is answered. While it was fascinating to watch Amanda Seyfried in an unconventional role for her, this viewer will never be able to watch Mamma Mia! the same way ever again.
Overall, The Housemaid is a bizarre, outrageous and juicy series of events that may not be to everyone’s liking. It can be brutal yet honest, confronting but sincere.
Ultimately, The Housemaid thrives on its ability to unsettle, surprise and provoke, delivering a twisted story that lingers long after the credits roll. Love it or loathe it, the film commits fully to its dark themes of power, secrecy and survival, reminding audiences that witnessing such a raw, unpredictable story, however uncomfortable, isn’t just entertainment. It’s a privilege.
