Often, I have found that stories/scripts that include live – in maids often lead toward how the wealthy man of the house decides he can utilize the maid for duties “other than assigned” regarding cleaning, cooking and caring for children of the house. Unfortunately, this seems to be a universal theme I have seen on television programs and feature films in other languages and cultures aside from the USA entertainment industry.
The 2025 feature film, The Housemaid, is based on the book by Freida McFadden, with the screenplay adapted by Rebecca Sonnenshine (“The Vampire Diaries” TV series, American Zombie) and is directed by Paul Feig (Another Simple Favor, Ghostbusters, Bridesmaids, “The Office” TV series). I have not yet read the book, but after seeing the film, I would not mind reading the book to see how faithful the film is to the book. I knew from the trailer that there would be some scenes that might make someone uncomfortable, if not finding the potential violence and confrontations as something they may not find to their liking. I don’t want to provide spoilers but prepare to anticipate a narrative different from what you may have seen in the past, especially if you grew up with the Spanish language television shows blaring the most recent “novela” (aka soap opera), your mother/grandmother watched.
Synopsis: From director Paul Feig, the film plunges audiences into a twisted world where perfection is an illusion, and nothing is as it seems. Trying to escape her past, Millie (Sydney Sweeney) accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and husband Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar). But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous — a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power. Behind the Winchesters’ closed doors lies a world of shocking twists that will leave you guessing until the very end.
The Housemaid is entertaining with great performances from the cast. Some of it can be considered predictable though. This is not the type of film that one might expect to be released during the holidays in late December, but it certainly gives film fans an option to view as an escape from home entertainment (or other reasons).
Additional Cast: Michele Morrone, Elizabeth Perkins among others. It is Rated R and runs 2 hours and 11 minutes. It opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, December 19.
Source: Lionsgate presents, in association with Media Capital Technologies, a Hidden Pictures / Pretty Dangerous Pictures production.
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