Acclaimed director Paul Feig swaps his usual comedic fare for a dive into glossy, erotic suspense with his new film, The Housemaid. The movie, which stars Sydney Sweeney in the lead role, is set to deliver a dose of outrageous thriller entertainment just after Christmas.
From Comedy to Suspense: Feig's New Direction
Best known for hit comedies, Paul Feig cranks up the tension in this adaptation of Freida McFadden's 2022 bestseller. Screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine has crafted a story that channels the spirit of 1990s erotic noir, evoking the sleazy allure of classics like Basic Instinct and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. The result is a film that is both enjoyably over-the-top and skilfully aware of its own genre roots.
The plot follows Millie Calloway, played by Sydney Sweeney, as she arrives for a live-in housemaid position at a secluded, opulent mansion in upstate New York. Hoping her new employers won't scrutinise the gaps in her CV, she is greeted by the seemingly perfect Nina Winchester, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried.
A House of Secrets and Sexual Tension
Millie's dream job quickly spirals into a nightmare. The pristine home descends into squalor, and Nina's demeanour shifts to one of spiteful rage. The only solace appears to come from Nina's handsome husband, Andrew, played by Brandon Sklenar. As Millie finds herself fatally attracted to him, the sexual tension becomes unbearable, leaving both her and the audience questioning everyone's true motives.
Is Millie being manipulated? Is Andrew the gallant protector he seems? Feig ramps up the mystery with significant point-of-view shifts and a heavy dose of gaslighting, keeping viewers guessing until the final reveal.
A Stellar Cast Delivers with Gusto
The film thrives on the committed performances of its cast. Sydney Sweeney expertly portrays Millie's vulnerability and growing confusion, while Amanda Seyfried is chillingly effective as the volatile Nina. Brandon Sklenar brings a classic, Alec Baldwin-esque charm to the enigmatic Andrew. Together, they embrace the film's heightened reality with terrific energy, making the outlandish plot a genuine treat.
The Housemaid is scheduled for release on 19 December in the United States, 25 December in Australia, and will arrive in UK cinemas on 26 December. It promises to be a slick, suspenseful diversion for the holiday season.
