The Housemaid (2025) by Paul Feig: A psychosexual thriller where struggling maid discovers wealthy couple's secrets more dangerous than her own

Summary of the Movie:Fresh start as housemaid—then mansion secrets reveal job from hell masquerading as salvation

Millie Calloway desperately needs this job. Struggling young woman with worrying CV inconsistencies, she drives through electronic gates toward bizarrely opulent upstate New York mansion hoping wealthy couple won't ask too many questions. Nina Winchester greets her with Stepford-blond smiley blandness, explaining the live-in housemaid position: cooking, cleaning, caring for young daughter Cece. But on day one, the perfect Martha Stewart show home becomes squalid chaos as Nina screams with spiteful rage blaming Millie for everything—apparently missed meds. Handsome husband Andrew reassures Millie, preventing her firing. She's fatally attracted and grateful. Sexual tension unbearable. But what's really happening? Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, Spy) trades broad comedy for outrageous psycho-suspense adapting Freida McFadden's 2022 bestseller, channeling 90s erotic noir (Basic Instinct, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle) with Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar delivering over-the-top performances through huge POV shifts and gaslight reveals.

Desperate maid accepts mansion job—employer's perfect facade cracks day one—then sexual tension and secrets explode.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-housemaid-0 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/the-housemaid-0 (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-housemaid-0 (UK)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27543632/

Link Review: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/16/the-housemaid-review-sydney-sweeney-paul-feig

• Genre: Drama mystery thriller—psychosexual suspense where housemaid discovers wealthy couple's dangerous secrets in 90s erotic noir throwback

• Movie plot: Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney), struggling woman with CV inconsistencies, accepts live-in housemaid position for wealthy couple Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar) in isolated upstate New York mansion; day one reveals Nina's perfect facade cracking—screaming rage, squalid chaos, blaming Millie for everything when missing meds; handsome Andrew intervenes preventing Millie's firing, creating fatal attraction and unbearable sexual tension; Millie can't determine if anyone's behavior is what it seems or if she's being groomed for something; huge POV shifts reveal what's really happening through tastily over-the-top acting and gaslight uncertainty where Millie questions understanding anything; family's secrets prove far more dangerous than Millie's own hidden past

• Movie themes: Class exploitation through domestic labor, sexual power dynamics in employer-employee relationships, wealthy couples' perfect facades hiding psychological dysfunction, gaslight manipulation making victims question reality, whether desperate need for job makes you vulnerable to abuse, secrets as currency where everyone's hiding something equally dangerous

• Movie trend: 90s erotic thriller throwback—psychosexual suspense channeling Basic Instinct, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle aesthetic through contemporary lens with Sydney Sweeney star power

• Social trend: Reflects fascination with wealthy dysfunction and domestic labor exploitation—housemaid accessing intimate family secrets creating voyeuristic class examination

• Movie director: Paul Feig trades broad comedy (Bridesmaids, Spy, Ghostbusters 2016) for schlock-serious psycho-suspense—applying comedic timing expertise to thriller reveals and over-the-top performances

• Top casting: Sydney Sweeney as Millie (post-Euphoria, Anyone But You momentum); Amanda Seyfried as unhinged Nina delivering go-for-broke performance; Brandon Sklenar (It Ends With Us) as handsome Andrew; Michele Morrone, Elizabeth Perkins support

• Awards and recognition: 1 win, 8 nominations; 65 Metascore, 6.9 IMDb across 54.8K reviews; $266M worldwide on $35M budget—Lionsgate commercial success reviving studio's theatrical slate

• Release and availability: December 19, 2025 US, December 25 Australia, December 26 UK theatrical; sequel "The Housemaid Secrets" greenlit with Sweeney and Feig returning after box office success

• Why to watch movie: If you want 90s erotic thriller energy (outrageous twists, sexual tension, POV reveals) updated through Sweeney's star power—Feig's comedy background creating enjoyably ridiculous suspense

• Key Success Factors: Sweeney's post-Euphoria/Anyone But You momentum driving opening weekend ($19M); Seyfried's unhinged performance saving film through go-for-broke commitment; McFadden's bestseller built-in audience (book fans curious about adaptation); Feig's broad comedy expertise translating to thriller timing; 90s throwback aesthetic hitting nostalgia sweet spot; Christmas holiday counter-programming against family fare; R rating enabling sexual content and violence traditional thrillers sanitize

Insights: Wealthy couple dysfunction becomes job from hell—but housemaid's secrets might be equally dangerous

Industry Insight: Lionsgate's theatrical slate revival through mid-budget thriller—$266M worldwide on $35M budget proving adult-oriented suspense competes commercially when star power and genre execution align. Consumer Insight: Book adaptation controversy (fans split on Sweeney's "wooden" acting versus Seyfried saving film) typical when bestseller fanbase has strong protagonist vision clashing with casting. Brand Insight: Sequel greenlit immediately after positive box office signals Lionsgate building franchise—"The Housemaid Secrets" with Sweeney/Feig returning capitalizing on commercial success.

Reviews split sharply: some praising outrageous fun and Seyfried's committed performance, others criticizing Sweeney's dry wooden acting and film falling short of book's gripping quality. Peter Bradshaw noting Feig skating "quite close, though not too close, to satire" captures tonal tightrope—this channels 90s erotic noir earnestly while acknowledging ridiculousness. The sexual tension ramped with evident gusto, over-the-top performances, huge POV shifts explaining what's really happening, and gaslight uncertainty create enjoyably outrageous package. Book fans disappointed by rushed first half feeling like setup for Sweeney topless scene, then actual thriller kicking in afterward. Seyfried's Nina—screaming rage, squalid chaos, psychological manipulation—dominates through go-for-broke commitment. Sweeney's performance dividing audiences: some finding her dull, others defending solid work in difficult role. The mansion setting (bizarrely opulent among bland suburban housing) creating class examination through domestic labor exploitation. R rating enabling sexual assault, nudity, bloody violence sanitized thrillers avoid. Christmas holiday release positioning as adult counter-programming. Sequel greenlit validates commercial viability despite critical mixed reactions.

Why It Is Trending: Sweeney's star power + 90s thriller nostalgia + Feig's tonal gamble = $266M surprise turning Lionsgate around

The Housemaid trends through perfect storm: Sydney Sweeney's post-Euphoria/Anyone But You momentum, 90s erotic thriller nostalgia (Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction energy), Paul Feig trading comedy for psychosexual suspense, Freida McFadden's bestseller built-in audience, and $266M worldwide proving mid-budget adult thrillers still commercially viable. The outrageous twists, sexual tension, and Amanda Seyfried's unhinged performance create word-of-mouth despite mixed critical reactions.

• Concept → consequence: 90s erotic thriller aesthetic updated through contemporary star power—Sweeney's presence making psychosexual suspense marketable to younger demographics unfamiliar with genre's heyday

• Culture → visibility: $19M opening weekend plus $266M worldwide validating adult thriller appetite—audiences seeking R-rated suspense alternatives to superhero/family fare driving commercial success

• Distribution → discovery: Christmas holiday release positioning as counter-programming—adults escaping family gatherings seeking outrageous suspense over wholesome entertainment

• Timing → perception: Sweeney having career-best year (Anyone But You rom-com success, Euphoria cultural impact) creates draw beyond just genre fans—star power transcending thriller niche

• Performance → relatability: Housemaid accessing wealthy couple's intimate secrets creates class voyeurism—domestic labor exploitation making Millie's vulnerability relatable despite outrageous circumstances

Insights: 90s erotic thriller aesthetic works when embracing ridiculousness rather than pretending sophistication

Industry Insight: Lionsgate's theatrical revival through mid-budget success—$266M on $35M budget proving adult thrillers commercially viable when execution and star power align, justifying immediate sequel greenlight. Consumer Insight: Book fans split on adaptation (Sweeney's acting criticized as wooden, film rushed until sexual content) signals bestseller fanbases having strong protagonist visions clashing with casting choices. Brand Insight: Feig's comedy background translating to thriller timing—expertise with over-the-top performances and reveals creating enjoyably outrageous suspense despite tonal risks.

The Housemaid trends because everything aligned commercially despite critical mixed signals. Sweeney's 2025 momentum (Anyone But You rom-com surprise, Euphoria cultural cachet) driving opening weekend curiosity beyond just thriller fans. The 90s erotic noir throwback hitting nostalgia sweet spot—audiences missing Basic Instinct/Fatal Attraction/The Hand That Rocks the Cradle outrageousness finding contemporary equivalent. Feig's tonal gamble (trading Bridesmaids comedy for psychosexual suspense) creating buzz around whether director known for broad humor can execute serious thriller—results proving he can when embracing ridiculousness. McFadden's 2022 bestseller providing built-in audience despite adaptation disappointing purists who find book more gripping. Seyfried's performance becoming talking point—reviews unanimous that her unhinged Nina saves film through go-for-broke commitment when Sweeney's wooden delivery disappoints. The sexual tension, POV reveals, gaslight uncertainty, and R-rated content (assault, nudity, bloody violence) distinguishing from sanitized PG-13 thrillers. Christmas holiday counter-programming capturing adults seeking alternative to family fare. $266M worldwide validating commercial thesis that mid-budget adult thrillers still viable theatrical business when star power, genre execution, and marketing alignment happen. Sequel greenlight ("The Housemaid Secrets" with Sweeney/Feig returning) confirms Lionsgate building franchise from success.

What Movie Trend Is Followed: 90s erotic thriller throwbacks—psychosexual suspense nostalgia through contemporary star power

The Housemaid belongs to films reviving 90s erotic thriller aesthetics (Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle)—psychosexual suspense with outrageous twists, sexual tension, class voyeurism, and over-the-top performances channeled through contemporary sensibilities and star power making genre marketable to younger demographics unfamiliar with originals.

• Format lifecycle: 90s erotic thrillers dominated (Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction, Disclosure) before disappearing as studios sanitized for PG-13—contemporary revivals embracing genre's ridiculousness through nostalgia lens and R-rated commitment

• Aesthetic logic: Opulent mansion isolation among bland suburbia creating class examination—domestic labor accessing wealthy secrets enables voyeuristic dysfunction observation through housemaid protagonist

• Psychological effect: Audiences experience cognitive pleasure from outrageous ridiculousness—Feig skating close to satire without fully committing creates enjoyable camp when performances embrace excess

• Genre inheritance: Pulls from 90s erotic noir tradition, domestic thriller about nanny/housemaid threats (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle), gaslight psychological manipulation, POV reveals restructuring understanding, class exploitation through intimate labor access

Insights: 90s erotic thrillers work as contemporary throwbacks when embracing camp rather than pretending sophistication

Industry Insight: Mid-budget adult thriller viability proven through $266M worldwide—Lionsgate's theatrical revival validating R-rated genre content competes commercially against superhero/franchise dominance. Consumer Insight: Christmas holiday counter-programming capturing adults seeking alternatives to family fare—outrageous suspense as escape from wholesome seasonal entertainment. Brand Insight: Sweeney's star power transcending genre niche—post-Euphoria/Anyone But You momentum making psychosexual thriller marketable to demographics unfamiliar with 90s erotic noir origins.

The Housemaid executes 90s erotic thriller revival through contemporary star power and embrace of ridiculousness. The premise (struggling housemaid discovering wealthy couple's dangerous secrets) channels The Hand That Rocks the Cradle domestic labor thriller updated with psychosexual tension and class voyeurism. Feig's approach—skating close to satire without full commitment—creates tonal ambiguity working as either earnest suspense or camp enjoyment depending on viewer engagement. Seyfried's unhinged Nina performance (screaming rage, psychological manipulation, squalid chaos beneath perfect facade) delivers over-the-top commitment genre requires. Sweeney's casting controversial—book fans finding her wooden and dry versus defenders noting solid work in difficult role. The sexual tension between Millie and Andrew ramped with evident gusto through R-rated content enabling assault, nudity, violence sanitized PG-13 avoids. Huge POV shifts revealing what's really happening through restructured understanding. Gaslight uncertainty making Millie question reality. The mansion's opulent isolation creating domestic labor exploitation examination. Christmas release positioning as adult counter-programming. Commercial success ($266M on $35M) validating appetite for mid-budget R-rated thrillers when star power and genre execution align, justifying immediate sequel greenlight.

Trends 2026: 90s erotic thriller nostalgia—psychosexual suspense revived through contemporary star power and R-rated commitment

Films channeling 90s erotic noir aesthetics (outrageous twists, sexual tension, class voyeurism, over-the-top performances) are finding commercial success through contemporary star power making genre marketable to younger demographics. As studios abandoned mid-budget adult thrillers for PG-13 franchises, R-rated psychosexual suspense resurging proves theatrical appetite exists when execution embraces camp and marketing leverages breakout stars.

Implications:

Mid-budget adult thrillers proving commercially viable theatrical business—The Housemaid's $266M on $35M budget validating R-rated genre content competes against franchise dominance. 90s erotic noir nostalgia hitting sweet spot—audiences missing Basic Instinct/Fatal Attraction outrageousness finding contemporary equivalents through directors willing to embrace ridiculousness. Star power transcending genre niche—Sweeney's mainstream appeal making psychosexual thriller accessible to demographics unfamiliar with 90s originals. Christmas holiday counter-programming capturing adults seeking alternatives to family fare.

Where it is visible (industry):

Lionsgate's theatrical slate revival through mid-budget success—studio positioning adult thrillers as commercial strategy after streaming pivot questioned theatrical viability. Immediate sequel greenlights ("The Housemaid Secrets") when box office exceeds expectations—franchising psychosexual suspense rather than one-off releases. Directors from other genres (Feig's comedy background) attempting thrillers—broad comedy timing translating to over-the-top suspense when embracing camp. Bestseller adaptations (McFadden's 2022 novel) providing built-in audiences despite fan controversy over casting and execution.

Related movie trends:

• 90s erotic thriller throwbacks - Films reviving Basic Instinct/Fatal Attraction aesthetics through contemporary sensibilities—psychosexual suspense with outrageous twists and R-rated commitment

• Domestic labor exploitation thrillers - Housemaid/nanny accessing wealthy secrets creating class voyeurism—intimate labor enabling dysfunction observation

• Gaslight psychological manipulation - Protagonists questioning reality through POV reveals restructuring understanding—uncertainty about what's really happening

• Holiday counter-programming thrillers - Christmas releases targeting adults seeking alternatives to family fare—outrageous suspense as seasonal escape

Related consumer trends:

• 90s thriller nostalgia appetite - Audiences missing erotic noir's outrageous energy finding contemporary equivalents—Basic Instinct/Fatal Attraction camp returning through throwbacks

• Adult thriller theatrical hunger - Viewers seeking R-rated suspense alternatives to superhero/family content—proving mid-budget genre films commercially viable when executed well

• Star power genre transcendence - Sweeney's mainstream appeal making psychosexual thriller accessible beyond niche—post-Euphoria/Anyone But You momentum driving curiosity

• Book adaptation controversy engagement - Bestseller fans creating buzz through casting/execution debates—disappointment becoming marketing through social media discussion

The Trends: Psychosexual thrillers work when embracing camp—pretending sophistication kills what made 90s versions fun

Trend Type	Trend Name	Description	Implications
Core Movie Trend	90s erotic thriller revival	Films channeling Basic Instinct/Fatal Attraction aesthetics through contemporary star power—outrageous twists, sexual tension, over-the-top performances updated for younger demographics	Nostalgia for pre-streaming theatrical experience when R-rated adult suspense dominated—contemporary equivalents succeeding commercially when embracing camp over sophistication pretense
Core Consumer Trend	Adult thriller theatrical appetite	Audiences proving mid-budget R-rated suspense commercially viable—$266M worldwide validating theatrical market exists beyond superhero/family franchise dominance	Studios reconsidering streaming pivot—theatrical adult thrillers generating profits when star power and genre execution align, justifying production investment
Core Social Trend	Class voyeurism through domestic labor	Housemaid accessing wealthy couple's intimate secrets creating dysfunction observation—exploitation examination through labor positioning enabling privilege critique	Domestic thriller subgenre resonating as class inequality visualization—intimate access revealing facade cracks audiences can't observe otherwise
Core Strategy	Comedy directors attempting thrillers	Feig's broad comedy background translating to over-the-top suspense—timing expertise enabling outrageous performances and reveals when embracing ridiculousness	Cross-genre director mobility increasing—comedy skills (timing, performance management, tonal balance) transferring to thriller when camp embraced over seriousness
Core Motivation	Star power genre transcendence**	Sweeney's mainstream appeal making psychosexual thriller accessible beyond niche—post-Euphoria cultural cachet plus Anyone But You rom-com success driving curiosity	Breakout stars enabling genre films reaching broader demographics—fans following actors into unfamiliar territory creating commercial viability traditional genre marketing couldn't achieve

Insights: Seyfried saves film through commitment—supporting actress's excess compensating when lead disappoints

Industry Insight: Immediate sequel greenlight after $266M worldwide signals Lionsgate franchising mid-budget successes rather than one-offs. Consumer Insight: Book fans split on Sweeney's casting creating marketing through controversy—disappointment generating social media discussion driving curiosity. Brand Insight: Christmas counter-programming crucial—adults escaping family gatherings seeking outrageous suspense over wholesome entertainment.

The Housemaid's $266M success validates 90s erotic thriller revival through Sweeney's star power and Feig's camp embrace. Commercial viability justifies Lionsgate's sequel greenlight despite mixed critical reception and book fan disappointment—proving mid-budget adult thrillers still work theatrically when execution and marketing align.

Final Verdict: Sweeney's star power drives outrageous 90s throwback—Seyfried's excess saves when lead disappoints

What Works:

• Seyfried's unhinged Nina—go-for-broke commitment making psychological manipulation entertaining

• 90s erotic thriller aesthetic revival hitting nostalgia sweet spot for audiences missing genre's outrageous energy

• Feig's camp embrace creating enjoyable ridiculousness—skating close to satire without killing earnest suspense

• R-rated commitment enabling sexual content and violence sanitized thrillers avoid

• $266M commercial success validating mid-budget adult thriller viability, immediate sequel greenlight

What Doesn't:

• Sweeney's wooden delivery disappointing book fans—dry performance weakening protagonist investment

• First half rushed feeling like setup for topless scene—actual thriller kicking in only after sexual content

• Adaptation falling short of McFadden's gripping source material—book fans finding film version "bleh"

• Tonal uncertainty whether sincere thriller or camp—Feig not fully committing to either creates ambiguity

Bottom Line: $266M on $35M budget proves concept worked commercially despite execution flaws. For audiences seeking 90s erotic noir throwback with contemporary star power, The Housemaid delivers outrageous twists and sexual tension through Feig's broad comedy expertise applied to psychosexual suspense. Seyfried's performance becomes film's saving grace—unhinged excess compensating when Sweeney's dull delivery weakens lead. Christmas counter-programming positioning captured adults seeking alternatives to family fare. Sequel greenlight ("The Housemaid Secrets" with Sweeney/Feig) validates Lionsgate's franchise strategy. Book fans disappointed by adaptation but broader audiences finding enjoyably ridiculous suspense—proving sometimes commercial success matters more than critical praise or source material fidelity when theatrical adult thrillers need wins.