Housemaid Film Review
by Molly Sullivan
Housemaid, the thriller based on the bestselling novel by Freda McFadden and directed by Paul Feig, is entertaining, slightly cheesy fun—with more plot twists than a pretzel. McFadden is known for mysteries that make you think you’ve figured everything out, only to reveal that nothing is quite as it seems, and this film follows that formula closely.
Sydney Sweeney stars as Millie Calloway, a young woman whose life has stalled after being released from prison. Aside from owning a car, she is homeless and jobless. She interviews for a housemaid position at the lavish home of Nina and Andrew Winchester. Nina appears to be the perfect wife and mother—polished, composed, and firmly in control.
Millie gets the job, which also includes working as a part-time nanny to the Winchesters’ seven-year-old daughter, Cece, played with quiet intensity by Indiana Elle. It quickly becomes clear that Nina is not what she seems. She lashes out emotionally, blames Millie for misplaced items, and deliberately miscommunicates to make her look incompetent in front of Andrew and her superficial friends.
The only person in the household who shows Millie any sympathy is Nina’s husband, Andrew, played with subtle calculation by Brandon Sklenar. He repeatedly rescues Millie from unemployment and homelessness and seems skilled at managing his unraveling wife. It also doesn’t hurt that Andrew is charming and handsome. There is unmistakable sexual tension between Andrew and Millie, adding another layer of unease.
Sydney Sweeney gives a strong performance, portraying Millie as shy and naïve at first, but ultimately streetwise and whip-smart as she navigates the story’s escalating twists. The true standout, however, is Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester. Known for romantic comedies, musicals, and her iconic role in Mean Girls, Seyfried fully commits to playing Nina as volatile, manipulative, and increasingly unhinged. She is genuinely unsettling and completely convincing.
Michele Morrone plays Enzo, the Winchesters’ gardener. His brooding presence, intense stares, and cryptic comments deepen the mystery surrounding the household. Elizabeth Perkins appears briefly as Andrew’s icy mother, nearly unrecognizable but effective.
The isolated New Jersey estate heightens the tension, making even ordinary scenes—such as Millie preparing a simple sandwich—feel ominous, often punctuated by Cece’s unsettling remarks. The score reinforces the suspense, keeping viewers guessing.
While the plot eventually reveals the truth behind the chaos, the finale is undeniably over-the-top and stretches realism. Still, this seems intentional, prioritizing entertainment and dark fun over plausibility. Fans of psychological thrillers should find Housemaid engaging and satisfying.
Great review, Molly!