Sydney Sweeney's psychological thriller, The Housemaid, has officially landed a streaming home on HBO Max. Directed by Paul Feig, the film adapts Freida McFadden's novel of the same name and has been noted for its fast-paced, popcorn novel-like quality and its surprising twists.
The film centers on Millie (Sweeney), a recently paroled woman seeking lawful employment as a live-in maid for Nina (Amanda Seyfried). Nina, who is pregnant and lives with her husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar) and daughter Cece (Indiana Elle), hires Millie to help manage their opulent Long Island mansion. However, the arrangement quickly becomes unsettling when Millie is confined to an attic bedroom that locks from the outside and Nina begins making veiled threats.
As Nina's behavior escalates, Millie finds herself trapped, leading to a complex dynamic between the characters. The film plays on audience expectations, building suspense through Millie and Nina's fraying relationship. Viewers are left to question whether Nina's erratic actions stem from genuine distress or a larger conspiracy.
The Housemaid deviates from its source material by taking itself slightly more seriously, according to director Paul Feig, who aimed to "up the ante" for the screen adaptation. The film utilizes perspective shifts and Seyfried's performance to weave together clues, offering subtle hints for observant viewers. The plot delivers shocking twists, particularly a significant midway reveal that re-contextualizes the characters' motivations and relationships.
While not aiming for the camp of films like Body Double or Wild Things, The Housemaid successfully balances its pulpy edge with taut atmosphere and pacing. Critics have suggested it is a solid choice for fans of entertaining psychological thrillers with unexpected turns, comparing its appeal to that of other Sweeney-starrers like The Voyeurs.
The Housemaid is now streaming on HBO Max.