Paul Feig's latest directorial venture, 'The Housemaid', leans heavily on the compelling performances of its two lead actors, Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, to navigate a plot that feels overly familiar. The film, an adaptation of the popular Freida McFadden novel, manages to generate some sparks but ultimately struggles to rise above its predictable thriller tropes, earning a modest rating of two and a half stars.
A Tense Dynamic in a Stately Mansion
The story unfolds within the imposing Winchester mansion, a home built to the 'precise specifications' of IT professional Andrew Winchester, played by Brandon Sklenar. His wife, Nina (Amanda Seyfried), interviews Millie (Sydney Sweeney) for a housemaid position. The initial meeting is deceptively calm, with Nina revealing seemingly throwaway details about the house's unique layout, from a tiny attic to a dungeon-like man cave.
Millie, convinced her troubled past will disqualify her, leaves believing the trip was wasted. However, Nina's subsequent urgent call, insisting Millie start work immediately, signals that all is not as it seems in this perfectly curated household. This decision surprises not only Andrew but also their brattish daughter, Cecilia, planting the first seeds of doubt about Nina's motives.
Performance-Driven Suspense
From the moment Millie arrives for her first day, the pristine mansion is in disarray, a stark contrast to her initial visit. She is thrust into a volatile environment where Nina's moods are unpredictable, and instructions are given and then denied. Sydney Sweeney, with her usual glamour notably subdued, effectively portrays Millie's growing confusion and resilience. Amanda Seyfried is equally compelling as Nina, balancing a facade of controlled elegance with sudden, terrifying outbursts.
The tension escalates as Andrew begins to conspicuously side with Millie during Nina's tirades, a dynamic that the perceptive and tempestuous Nina does not miss. This classic triangle is given an extra edge by Elizabeth Perkins, who plays Andrew's snobbish mother, forming a tense trio of women around the central male figure.
A Story That Relies on Its Stars
While the core plot of secrets, manipulation, and domestic unease will feel well-trodden for fans of the genre, the chemistry and committed performances from Sweeney and Seyfried are what truly keep the narrative engine running. They play off each other with a palpable mix of tension and strange dependency, making their scenes the highlight of the film.
Unfortunately, the character of Andrew Winchester, as portrayed by Brandon Sklenar, fails to match the intensity of the women around him. His mild demeanor makes the fierce competition for his attention somewhat unconvincing, leaving a noticeable gap in the film's emotional stakes.
Director Paul Feig seems to rely entirely on the solid groundwork laid by his two leading actors to carry this stretched and familiar story. For viewers new to the source material, the dots may connect a little too easily, robbing the film of sustained suspense. However, for those simply in it to watch two talented actors navigate a gilded cage of secrets and psychological games, 'The Housemaid' offers just enough polished entertainment, even if it doesn't quite reinvent the wheel.
The Housemaid is directed by Paul Feig and features a cast led by Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar. It is now available for viewing on major platforms.
