Paul Feig’s ‘The Housemaid’: A Twisty Psychological Thriller That Delivers Shocks and Stellar Performances
Director Paul Feig, renowned for comedies like Bridesmaids and A Simple Favor, ventures deeper into thriller territory with The Housemaid, a gripping adaptation of Freida McFadden’s 2022 bestselling novel. Released in theaters on December 19, 2025, by Lionsgate, the film has quickly become holiday counterprogramming gold, blending suspense, dark secrets, and standout acting into a wildly entertaining ride.
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Sydney Sweeney stars as Millie Calloway, a young woman desperate for a fresh start after a troubled past, who lands a live-in housemaid job with the affluent Winchester family. Amanda Seyfried plays Nina Winchester, the polished yet increasingly unhinged matriarch, while Brandon Sklenar portrays her charming husband Andrew. The supporting cast includes Michele Morrone as the mysterious gardener Enzo and Elizabeth Perkins in a key role.
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What begins as an idyllic opportunity in a luxurious mansion soon spirals into paranoia and danger. Millie’s attraction to Andrew complicates matters as Nina’s behavior turns hostile, revealing cracks in the family’s perfect facade. Feig masterfully builds tension within the opulent home—initially an oasis that grows claustrophobic as secrets unravel. The third act delivers jaw-dropping twists that elevate the story, keeping audiences guessing until the end.
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Critics have praised the performances, particularly Seyfried’s unnerving portrayal of Nina, described as “delightfully unhinged” and a “force of nature.” Sweeney brings vulnerability and strength to Millie, while Sklenar adds ambiguity to Andrew. Feig’s direction strikes a balance between lurid fun and psychological depth, avoiding melodrama through subtle shifts in tone and body language.
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Adapted by Rebecca Sonnenshine, the screenplay stays faithful to the novel’s core while adding surprises, including an alternate ending that provides catharsis and empowerment. Author McFadden has called the film “better than the book,” highlighting its capture of the story’s essence with bigger thrills. Running at 131 minutes, it features a score by Theodore Shapiro and lush production design that enhances the escalating unease.
The Housemaid premiered in New York on December 2, 2025, earning generally favorable reviews (Rotten Tomatoes consensus lauds its “wicked sense of fun”). It’s a throwback to ’90s erotic thrillers, perfect for fans craving twists without excessive gore. Whether with friends or solo, this sexy, suspenseful thriller is a must-see this season.
