The Housemaid ★★★

Released: 26 December 2025

Director: Paul Feig

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone and Elizabeth Perkins

The Hollywood book-to-film pipeline continues with the adaptation of Freida McFadden’s hugely popular BookTok bestseller The Housemaid. If you’re not familiar with McFadden’s back catalogue, think the Colleen Hoover of guilty pleasure psychological thrillers! So with Paul Feig at the helm – the director of the similarly twisty A Simple Favour and it’s schlocky sequel, Another Simple Favor – fans are undoubtedly in for an outrageously enjoyable, (or downright ridiculous) ride, with a distinct throwback to the trashy erotic female-driven thrillers of the 90s. 

Down on her luck Millie (Sydney Sweeney) is desperate for a job. Sleeping in her car and washing in bathrooms, it’s clear that the young woman is running away from her past. So when the wealthy and welcoming Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried) offers her the role of stay-in housemaid at her perfect (and custom designed) suburban detached house, she jumps at the chance. Creepy attic room with a deadlock and no opening windows be damned… However, not all is at it seems, (shock horror!) as it doesn’t take long for the Stepford-esque wife to throw a hysterical tantrum, blaming Millie for throwing away her notes for the PTA meeting. Meanwhile, her incredibly attractive husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar) appears as her knight in shining armour as his wife’s behaviour grows ever more unhinged, and the wildly inappropriate sexual tension between the two sizzles.

Featuring all the hallmarks of McFadden’s literary works, The Housemaid is an entirely ridiculous but wildly entertaining affair – if you’re willing to embrace the ludicrous story and suspend all disbelief. Filled with unhinged twists and turns which viewers will have undoubtedly already clocked thanks to the incredible signposting (Nina mentioning the precariously winding staircase in Millie’s interview is a prime example), but there’s quite a bit of fun to be had throughout this silly and suspenseful affair, particularly in the deranged third act, complete with whiplash POV shifts. 

It’s just a shame Feig doesn’t fully embrace the comedy which is dotted throughout, but the hilarious early Nina jump scares are a real treat, along with the delivery of the line “I f*****g love gravy!” It does overextend its welcome though, with a surprisingly lengthy 2 hour 11 minute runtime. 

But despite its flaws, it’s a real hoot, and that’s predominantly down to Amanda Seyfried’s unmatched manic energy and unhinged performance – it certainly seems as though she had a blast in the role. Her back must be breaking from carrying the entire film, as her two co-stars are much more reserved, particularly Sweeney, who appears to coast through the role until the character dynamics shift in the climactic sequence and she finally unleashes an impressive ruthlessness. 

Elsewhere, there’s a collection of incredibly hammy and over-the-top acting from the supporting cast (I’m looking at you PTA mums!), along with Elizabeth Perkins’ delightfully deranged turn as Andrew’s terrifying mother.

There’s no denying that it’s a well shot movie too, but the real cherry on top is the absolutely ridiculous needle drops, complete with “Cinnamon Girl” by Lana Del Rey and “I Did Something Bad” by Taylor Swift. However, it’s Amanda Seyfried’s dance to “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson which proves one of the biggest laugh-out-loud moments throughout. 

Outlandish but with just the right amount of schlock, The Housemaid is a fun rollercoaster ride and a hilarious theatrical experience with a packed audience. Be prepared to strap in for the Marvel-esque final moments teasing potential sequels (yes, there’s already two book sequels and a short story out there!)