MOVIE REVIEW | The Housemaid – The Housemaid arrives billed as a slick, seductive thriller, and while its opening moments may suggest a familiar slow-burn setup, viewers should not be fooled. What initially feels predictable steadily unravels into something far more twisted, unsettling, and ultimately rewarding.
Starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, and directed by Paul Feig, the film plunges into a polished world where wealth, perfection, and domestic bliss conceal something far darker beneath the surface. Sweeney plays Millie, a young woman trying to escape a troubled past, who accepts a live-in housemaid position for the wealthy and seemingly flawless Nina and Andrew Winchester.
What begins as a dream job quickly evolves into a dangerous psychological game driven by secrets, manipulation, and shifting power dynamics.
The film takes its time establishing atmosphere, opting for unease and tension over immediate shocks. While the slow burn may test patience early on, it ultimately pays off. Just when the story appears to be heading somewhere familiar, The Housemaid repeatedly changes direction.
The twists keep coming, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a backstory and nothing is ever quite what it seems.
There are strong echoes of Single White Female, particularly in the intense cat-and-mouse tension and creeping paranoia. As the narrative gathers momentum, the tone shifts from restrained to genuinely disturbing and eerie, pulling the audience into a gripping thrill ride.
The performances are a major strength. Sydney Sweeney is outstanding, delivering a layered and emotionally grounded portrayal of a woman haunted by her past but determined to find her way forward. Her performance anchors the film and keeps the audience invested. Amanda Seyfried brings an icy, enigmatic presence, while Brandon Sklenar adds further intrigue, ensuring no character feels entirely trustworthy.
At its core, The Housemaid reminds us that no matter how far we believe we’ve left our past behind, it can resurface at any time.
The final act delivers a bold and satisfying payoff, earning a major round of applause from the audience.
Stylish, unsettling, and far more unpredictable than it first appears, The Housemaid transforms from a measured slow burn into a compelling psychological thriller that keeps you guessing right through to the end.
The Housemaid – in cinemas from Boxing Day
Link to Universal Pictures HERE
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MOVIE REVIEW | The Housemaid
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Rating
Aaron: 7.5 / 10 “A seductive slow-burn that explodes into a twisted, edge-of-your-seat thriller.”
Zak: 8.5 / 10 “Stylish, unsettling and packed with twists, this is a thriller that refuses to play it safe.”
THE HOUSEMAID is a wildly entertaining thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried,based on the best-selling book. From director Paul Feig, the film plunges audiences into a twistedworld where perfection is an illusion, and nothing is as it seems.
Trying to escape her past, Millie(Sweeney) accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar). But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous—a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power.
Behind the Winchesters’ closed doors lies a world of shocking twists that will leave you guessing until the very end.
Release Date:December 26
Runtime:131 minutes
Classification: MA 15+|
Censorship Advice: Strong themes, violence and coarse language
Cinema Experience:
Event Cinemas Innaloo delivers a polished and enjoyable cinema experience, particularly in terms of presentation, sound, and overall atmosphere. The venue is clean, well maintained, and welcoming, making it a solid choice for both regular screenings and special events.
For the premiere screening attended, complimentary choc bombs and popcorn were provided — a great added touch for the event, though not part of standard sessions. The screen size is impressive and well suited to major releases, while the sound quality is excellent, offering clear and immersive audio throughout.
The candy bar is well stocked with a strong variety of options, and the surrounding complex enhances the overall experience.
With Varsity located nearby, it’s easy to turn a movie outing into a full night out with quality food and drinks before or after the film.
One area that could be improved is the seating layout. Rows are positioned quite close together, so if you’re not seated on the end and need to step out during the film, it can be awkward and uncomfortable to manoeuvre past others.
Overall, Event Cinemas Innaloo offers a quality cinema experience with great sound, a good-sized screen, cleanliness, and excellent nearby dining options. While the tight row spacing is a minor drawback, it remains a popular and enjoyable destination for moviegoers.
