Movie poster from Internet Movie Database
Ever since the movie The Housemaid came out streaming on Starz last year, I have been wanting to see it. However, I don't subscribe to Starz and I'm not willing to pay for another subscription streaming service. They are getting much too expensive. Fortunately, it's now available on HBO MAX to which I do subscribe and I jumped at the chance to finally see the film. Why The Housemaid you might ask? It's not because I'm a huge fan of Sydney Sweeney, don't get me wrong, I think she's a good actress. I simply haven't watched many of her shows, I once tried to watch Euphoria but found it uncomfortable to even watch. However, this movie has good reviews and everyone I know who had watched it reported enjoying the film. So it's been on my list to view for some time now.
The film begins with Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney) as a recent prison parolee looking for a job as it is part of the terms of her parole. Sadly, as a parolee she isn't having much luck. She finds an opportunity to apply as a live in housemaid for a family in a Long Island mansion. Nina (Amanda Seyfried) is married to her wealthy husband Andrew (Brandon Sklenar), and is hiring a live in maid because she claims to be pregnant. The interview goes well, however Millie doubts she'll get the job because any background check would reveal her parole status. To her surprise, she is offered the position.
The interview
Soon after starting she begins to notice very odd behavior from Nina, who becomes very antagonistic with Millie. She constantly threatens to fire her over the innocent interactions with her husband. Her husband calms her and to make it up to Millie asks her to book a Broadway show and expensive hotel stay for the couple giving the Millie the weekend off. She does as she is asked only to have Nina accuse her of doing it without her permission as it would interfere with her daughter's ballet camp. She expects Millie to pay back the cost of the entire weekend. Once again, Andrew steps in and calms his wife.
Nina showing her psychotic behavior with Millie
Andrew calming his wife Nina
However, he finds the tickets are non refundable and since his wife is away offers to take Millie to the play and stay in separate hotel rooms. She accepts and the two begin to have a strong attraction leading to an affair over the weekend. When they return Nina again tries to fire Millie, but is surprised that her husband throws her out of the house. Only now do we discover Nina's true plan, to be kicked out and free of Andrew. It turns out she isn't the crazy one, Andrew is... And she planned on Millie taking her place as his obsession.
The affair begins
From here it gets very dark, Andrew locks Millie in the attic forcing her to harm herself to get out. Then we see he did the very same thing to Nina for years, and finally understand why she lost her mind. She was even placed in a mental hospital and forced on antipsychotics. But Millie isn't the same as weak Nina, and fights back. Feeling guilty Nina returns to save Millie as well, then the true fun begins. This story is full of twists and turn you don't really see coming, and the ending is great!
Millie locked in the attic
I loved the film, and it's well worth the time spent watching it. I won't give out any more spoilers as it could ruin your fun. It keeps your interest from the start, and turns out the be much darker than you could ever imagine! Enjoy!
That wraps up my review for the The Housemaid. In my book it's a must see, but keep in mind it's for adults only. Definitely not a kid friendly film! Enjoy your week and I hope you get a chance to check out the flick!
References
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27543632/?ref_=mv_close
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Housemaid_(2025_film)
Disclaimer
Screenshots from The Movie Database
Rating: 90/100
