the housemaid

The Housemaid Movie Is Finally Out — But Does It Live Up to the Hype?

It’s been one of the most anticipated psychological thrillers of 2025 — and now, The Housemaid has finally hit Australian screens. Starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in a tense, twist-laden narrative about power, secrets, and domestic suspense, the film has sparked heated debate among critics and audiences alike. But with so much buzz surrounding its release — and comparisons to the bestselling novel it’s based on — the big question remains: Is The Housemaid as good as the book?

Based on Freida McFadden’s 2022 psychological thriller of the same name, the film adaptation has drawn attention not just for its star power, but for its chilling portrayal of modern class divides and the dark underbelly of suburban life. While official reviews are in, the verdict is far from unanimous — and that’s exactly what’s making it one of the most talked-about releases of the year.

Main Narrative: A Chilling Descent Into Domestic Noir

At its core, The Housemaid tells the story of Millie (Sydney Sweeney), a young woman struggling to make ends meet after a series of personal setbacks. Desperate for work, she takes a job as a live-in housekeeper for the wealthy Winchester family — headed by the polished, controlling Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and her seemingly perfect husband, Andrew.

What begins as a straightforward employment arrangement quickly spirals into a psychological game of cat and mouse. Millie soon discovers that the Winchesters’ pristine home hides a web of secrets — infidelity, manipulation, and a disturbing pattern of behaviour that puts her safety at risk. As the lines between employer and employee blur, Millie must decide how far she’s willing to go to survive.

The film leans heavily into the genre of domestic noir — a subgenre that explores the hidden tensions within seemingly ordinary households. With its tight pacing, atmospheric tension, and morally ambiguous characters, The Housemaid taps into universal fears about trust, power, and the people we let into our homes.

According to The Everygirl, the movie “delivers on suspense, but stumbles slightly in character development,” suggesting that while the plot thrills, some emotional depth may have been lost in translation from page to screen. Still, the publication notes that “fans of psychological thrillers will find plenty to sink their teeth into.”

Recent Updates: What the Critics Are Saying

Since its December 2025 release, The Housemaid has garnered a mix of praise and criticism from major film outlets. Here’s a breakdown of the latest verified reviews:

• The New York Times calls the film “a gripping, if uneven, exploration of power dynamics,” praising Sweeney’s “electrifying performance” but noting that Seyfried’s character “feels underwritten at times.” The review highlights the film’s “dusty counters and dirty secrets” as a metaphor for the rot beneath the surface of privilege.

• Roger Ebert’s review offers a more measured take, describing the movie as “a stylish but familiar entry in the domestic thriller genre.” The critic commends the cinematography and production design, particularly the use of lighting and space to build tension, but argues that the plot “relies too heavily on well-worn tropes.”

Despite these critiques, the film has performed strongly at the box office, particularly in urban centres like Sydney and Melbourne, where audiences have flocked to cinemas for its late-night screenings. Social media chatter has also surged, with hashtags like #TheHousemaidMovie and #SydneySweeneyThriller trending across platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

Contextual Background: From Page to Screen — A Long Road

The journey of The Housemaid from bestselling novel to silver screen has been anything but smooth. Freida McFadden’s original book, published in 2022, quickly became a global phenomenon, praised for its fast-paced narrative and shocking twists. It spent over 40 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide.

However, adapting such a tightly plotted novel into a two-hour film presented significant challenges. The book’s first-person perspective, which allows readers deep access to Millie’s thoughts and fears, had to be reimagined for the visual medium. Director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, A Simple Favor) opted for a more externalised approach, using visual cues and subtle performances to convey psychological tension.

This shift has drawn mixed reactions. Some viewers appreciate the film’s cinematic flair and the chemistry between Sweeney and Seyfried, while others feel the adaptation loses the raw, intimate voice that made the book so compelling.

It’s worth noting that The Housemaid is part of a broader trend in contemporary cinema: the rise of female-driven psychological thrillers. Films like Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train, and Promising Young Woman have paved the way for stories that centre complex, often flawed women navigating dangerous situations. In this context, The Housemaid fits neatly into a genre that continues to resonate with audiences — particularly women — who are drawn to narratives of survival, agency, and revenge.

Moreover, the film’s exploration of class inequality and domestic labour strikes a chord in today’s socio-economic climate. With rising living costs and growing wealth disparity in Australia, the power imbalance between Millie and the Winchesters feels eerily relevant. As one Sydney-based viewer noted on social media: “It’s not just a thriller — it’s a commentary on how we treat the people who clean our homes.”

Immediate Effects: Box Office Success and Cultural Conversations

Since its release, The Housemaid has made a significant impact both commercially and culturally.

Box Office Performance:
The film opened strongly in Australian cinemas, earning over AUD $4.2 million in its first weekend — a notable figure for a mid-budget thriller. It has since maintained steady attendance, particularly in metropolitan areas, and is expected to cross the $10 million mark domestically by early 2026.

Streaming and Digital Demand:
While still in its theatrical window, early data from digital rental platforms suggests high demand. Pre-orders on services like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video have placed The Housemaid in the top 10 most-wanted films for January 2026.

Social and Cultural Impact:
Beyond entertainment, the film has sparked conversations about domestic workers’ rights and mental health. Advocacy groups such as the Australian Domestic Workers Alliance have used the film as a springboard to discuss the vulnerabilities faced by housekeepers, nannies, and cleaners — many of whom work in isolated conditions with little legal protection.

In a statement shared with media outlets, the Alliance said: “While The Housemaid is fiction, it reflects real issues. We hope this film encourages Australians to think more critically about the people who help maintain their homes — and to treat them with the dignity they deserve.”

Additionally, the film has reignited interest in Freida McFadden’s broader body of work. Her other novels, including The Coworker and The Boyfriend, have seen a 300% increase in sales since the movie’s release, according to Nielsen BookScan data.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for The Housemaid?

With its strong performance and cultural relevance, The Housemaid is poised to have a lasting impact — both in cinema and beyond.

Sequel Potential:
Although no official announcement has been made, sources close to the production suggest that discussions about a sequel are underway. Given that McFadden’s novel is part of a loosely connected series, a follow-up could explore new characters or revisit Millie’s story in a different setting. Given the open-ended nature of the film’s conclusion, fans are already speculating about what might come next.

Awards Season Buzz:
Sydney Sweeney’s performance has generated early awards chatter, with some critics predicting a potential nomination for Best Actress at the 2026 AACTA Awards (Australia’s top film honours). Her portrayal of Millie — balancing vulnerability, resilience, and quiet rage — has been widely praised as a career-defining role.

Broader Industry Trends:
The success of The Housemaid may also influence future productions. Studios are increasingly investing in female-led thrillers, particularly those based on popular books. With streaming platforms like Stan and Binge acquiring rights to similar titles, we could see a wave of domestic noir adaptations in the coming years.

Moreover, the film’s focus on class and gender dynamics aligns with broader cultural movements advocating for equity and