The job may be tidying up, but ‘The Housemaid’ brings plenty of trash

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Paul Feig is a master of delightfully over-the-top, silly movies – and that’s a good thing! When he makes a movie, I’m completely on board and ready to enjoy it.

Paul Feig excels at directing suspenseful, funny thrillers focused on women, like “A Simple Favor” and now “The Housemaid,” which is based on a popular book from TikTok. His background in comedy is key – he perfectly understands how to balance tension and humor. You can tell he’s playfully acknowledging the audience with subtle cues in the actors’ interactions and camera work, almost as if he’s sharing a knowing joke. It’s a fun, self-aware approach that works, and it’s clear Feig knows exactly what he’s doing.

“The Housemaid” is a steamy thriller that plays with common tropes – like the idea of a mischievous maid – and then subverts them. The story begins with Millie (Sydney Sweeney), who appears plain and unassuming, interviewing to be a live-in housekeeper for the welcoming Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried). Nina and her husband, Andrew (Brandon Sklenar from “Drop”), live in a lavish Long Island home that Andrew designed.

Things aren’t as straightforward as they appear for both the job applicant and the employer. Each has hidden truths, but Nina decides to hire Millie anyway. With limited choices, Millie happily accepts the job.

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When Millie starts working at the Winchester home and moves into the attic room, she quickly realizes things aren’t quite right. Small, unsettling details emerge – her window is stuck, the groundskeeper Enzo (Michele Morrone) seems to dislike her, objects disappear, and Nina’s daughter, CeCe (Indiana Elle), is unusually distant.

Beyond the smaller issues, Nina’s unpredictable behavior and the cruel rumors about her mental state among the other wives are deeply concerning. Millie quickly realizes she’s taken on more than she can handle with Mrs. Winchester, but finds a glimmer of hope in the kind and attractive Mr. Winchester. It’s obvious where this is headed – a predictable, yet satisfying, turn of events.

“The Housemaid” blends the suspense of “Gaslight” with the gothic romance of “Jane Eyre” and a hint of “Rebecca,” but with a more provocative and edgy tone. Director Feig guides us through this twisting, sensual mystery effortlessly, though it’s more of a fun, lighthearted thrill than a deeply intellectual one—perfect for enjoying even after a drink or two, which might actually make it even better.

The movie truly relies on the talents of actors like Seyfried, who can bring a thrilling unpredictability to her performance. Sweeney is equally crucial, perfectly balancing a seemingly naive persona with a surprising toughness. Both actresses subtly hint at a dangerous side beneath their innocent appearances, keeping the audience on edge. And the film needs a captivating presence like Sklenar; we’re meant to be completely drawn to his charm and attractiveness, which is essential for the story to ultimately work.

It’s hard to say more without spoiling the fun, but get ready to laugh, be surprised, and maybe even shout with excitement! This is a delightfully entertaining story, and you deserve a little something special during the holidays.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2025-12-18 21:03