Review: Paul Feig’s ‘The Housemaid’ blends suspense and female rivalry with uneven results

Paul Feig’s film adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling thriller, *The Housemaid*, is a glossy yet dark drama that explores deceit, manipulation and gendered power struggles. The story follows Millie, played by Sydney Sweeney, who takes a live-in maid’s job at the luxurious home of the wealthy Winchester family after being released from parole. Initially, her employer Nina (Amanda Seyfried) appears gracious, but Millie soon realises that beneath Nina’s perfect exterior lies instability and emotional turbulence. Confined to a cramped attic room, Millie begins to uncover secrets that hint at manipulation within the household. The family dynamics are complicated further by Nina’s sulky daughter and an enigmatic gardener who seems to know more than he admits. Screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine’s adaptation remains largely faithful to McFadden’s fast-paced plot, showing alternating perspectives of Millie and Nina. While the twists and turns are heavily reliant on suspending disbelief, the tension between the two women drives the narrative. The film emphasises Sweeney’s glamorous appeal but allows Seyfried to shine with a nuanced portrayal of fragility and control. Although the editing initially feels rushed, it later settles into a psychological confrontation between two women seeking dominance. *The Housemaid* ultimately offers an entertaining yet uneven thriller that thrives on emotional intensity and stylish presentation.