Paul Feig’s adaptation of The Housemaid centers on how psychological terror can lurk beneath the surface of suburban bliss. The film follows Millie and Nina as they struggle to conceal dark personal truths, beside a man whose presence complicates their choices. Sweeney and Seyfried do a compelling job portraying the blurred lines between victim and antagonist; however, fans of McFadden’s novel may find this adaptation to fall slightly flat in comparison.
Spoiler warning now! While the climax effectively demonstrates how easy it could be to find yourself vulnerable to another person’s abuse or even willing to subject someone else to that fate, the movie’s resolution lacks any real consequences. Some have criticised the last-minute rescue of Nina by an investigating officer as too convenient, but this is not my main concern. One of the most chilling parts of McFadden’s novel is the revelation of the cycle of abuse within the Winchester family. Unfortunately, due to Hollywood sanitisation and formulaic screen writing, the film fails to reproduce the haunting impact of Mrs Winchester’s final words, which made the novel so captivating.
What makes the book stand out is its exploration of entrapment and how, if used strategically, what once victimised a person can be used as a method of escape, seen in Millie’s replacement of Nina and her murder of Andrew. That being said, the commitment from Seyfried, Sweeney (love her or hate her), and Sklenar produce exciting performances, particularly as the position of victimhood shifts between them. While elements of the novel are missed, the film remains one of the stronger book-to-screen adaptations of recent years. It decisively shows how misplaced trust and the fear of not being believed can have grave consequences, making it a compelling watch for thriller enthusiasts.
“Sydney Sweeney at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival 04 (Cropped)” by Jay Dixit is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.