Sydney Sweeney's R-rated thriller, The Housemaid, is now available for streaming on HBO Max. The film, which runs for 131 minutes, is noted for its twisted secrets and suspenseful plot, drawing comparisons to other erotic thrillers.
Directed by Paul Feig, The Housemaid adapts Freida McFadden's psychological thriller novel. The story centers on Millie (Sweeney), a recently paroled woman seeking to rebuild her life by working as a live-in maid for Nina (Amanda Seyfried), her husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar), and their daughter Cece. Nina, who is pregnant, requires assistance in her opulent Long Island mansion, an arrangement that initially seems mutually beneficial.
However, the situation quickly deteriorates as Millie becomes suspicious of Nina's behavior and the unsettling atmosphere of the house. She is confined to an attic room that locks from the outside, and Nina's veiled threats escalate, making Millie feel trapped. The film explores the increasingly tense dynamic between Nina and Millie, leaving audiences to question whether Nina is genuinely disturbed or if a larger conspiracy is at play.
Amidst this chaos, Millie and Andrew develop a closer relationship, further complicating the narrative. The film uses these escalating tensions and character interactions to build suspense, incorporating a significant twist midway through that alters the audience's perception of the characters and their motivations. This mid-film revelation is described as outrageous yet entertaining, keeping viewers engaged.
Director Paul Feig stated that while some elements work well in the book, adaptations often require enhancing the stakes for a visual medium. The Housemaid employs perspective shifts and subtle clues, particularly in Seyfried's performance, to keep the audience guessing. The film aims for a balance between suspense and sleaze, avoiding excessive campiness.
While not reaching the complexity of films like Gone Girl, The Housemaid is considered a solid choice for fans of pulpy, entertaining psychological thrillers due to its taut atmosphere and pacing.
