Sydney Sweeney Erotic Thriller Moves to Max

Despite its overwhelming commercial success, Freida McFadden’s psychological thriller, The Housemaid, is far from a perfect read. Trope-heavy and full of obvious contrivances, The Housemaid sets up a tense domestic thriller premise that functions as a fast-paced popcorn novel. That framework enables a pulpy screen adaptation, mimicking the conventions of a lurid thriller while incorporating decent character writing.

Director Paul Feig brings The Housemaid to the screen. Formulaic but entertaining, the film features Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried as characters pitted against each other. The Housemaid fits viewers who enjoy erotic thrillers akin to Verity, where the plot includes an unexpected twist. Viewers wanting to watch The Housemaid from home can now stream the film on HBO Max.

What is The Housemaid about?

Recently paroled Millie tries to put her past behind her by working as a live-in maid for Nina. Nina lives with her husband, Andrew, and their daughter, Cece. Nina needs help because she is pregnant, and Millie needs lawful employment, making the arrangement feasible initially. Nina’s suburban mansion in Great Neck, Long Island, is opulent to the point of appearing gaudy, giving Millie reason to commit to the job.

Uncertainty builds over time. Millie is asked to stay in an attic bedroom that locks from the outside, and Nina makes veiled threats telling Millie to stay away from Andrew. The dynamic shifts quickly from mild accusations to full-blown breakdowns, making Millie feel trapped inside the spacious mansion.

The Housemaid toys with expectations while building suspense, immersing viewers in the frayed dynamic between Nina and Millie. Questions persist about whether Nina is troubled or if a grander conspiracy exists. Although Nina’s erratic behavior causes concern, Millie and Andrew draw closer amid the chaos, starting a complicated relationship.

The Housemaid uses an outrageous but entertaining twist to keep audiences hooked

Unlike the source material, The Housemaid takes itself seriously. That tone does not hinder the curveballs that Feig introduces after the midway twist is revealed. Pulpy thrillers thrive on this formula, including The Voyeurs, another engaging Sweeney-starrer. The Housemaid utilizes this tonal shift, allowing Nina to reveal layers of complex, inconsistent behavior.

Before the film hones in on the truth, The Housemaid keeps viewers guessing. Nina’s behavior encroaches on horror movie territory, backed by whispers from high-society friends and anecdotes from other household staff. Andrew’s perspective portrays him as a doting husband and father, heartbroken that his wife has changed. Millie’s escalating attraction to Andrew fuels rumors, offering glimpses of a hidden truth.

The Housemaid achieves a dramatic climax that is toned down in the book. “There’s things that work in the book that are really satisfying, but on the big screen you always want more,” Feig told The Hollywood Reporter regarding his decision to raise the stakes. Feig uses perspective shifts to tie disparate clues together, and Seyfried’s performance contains subtle hints for observant audiences. The tone turns sleazy when necessary without entering the camp of Body Double (1984) or Wild Things (1998).

Viewers who watched Verity in theaters or enjoy psychological thrillers with a pulpy edge will find The Housemaid a solid choice. The taut atmosphere and pacing make the film serviceable.

The Housemaid is streaming on HBO Max.

Source: Polygon