As my mum is a member of Sky Cinema, she gets two free cinema tickets every month – and she takes turns taking my sister or me to see the latest flick. It’s a cute little tradition, which is helped by the fact that Vue cinema (the only chain where the tickets are eligible) is only a five-minute drive away.
This time, The Housemaid was on the agenda; having only seen the trailer and some TikTok videos of women covering their boyfriends’ eyes while watching, I was expecting, perhaps, an awkward watch. But, in actuality, I found the film to be fast-paced, steamy for like five minutes, and full of twists and turns. The Housemaid first centres on Millie (Sydney Sweeney), an ex-convict on parole who is desperately seeking a job, any job.
Finding herself sitting across from Mrs Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried) in an upstate home somewhere near New York, the position of a live-in maid seems too good to be true. This is especially so because Millie has been sleeping in her car and using public restrooms to wash herself.
Swiftly introduced to Mrs Winchester’s good-looking husband, Andrew (played by Brandon Sklenar), he soon comes across as the saintly gentleman dealing with an erratic wife.
In a job role Millie cannot leave, she finds herself gritting her teeth as Mrs Winchester’s demands embarrass her publicly and rages ensue privately.
Andrew, not-so-coyly, starts to come onto Millie and, predictably, an affair begins – but that’s when the predictability ends. In fact, twists I never saw coming come in succession – adding to the fast-paced tempo of the film.
Soon, we are introduced to Mrs Winchester’s perspective, and we learn about her feigned descent into madness. There’s no way I would have believed the film was over two hours long, and I must say, it’s a good watch.
Amanda Seyfried is spectacular in her portrayal of an unstable mother who is (rightly so) concerned about her husband straying.
Sydney Sweeney plays a terrific role – one where you end up rooting for her to punish the ever-so-charming adulterer, skillfully acted by Brandon Sklenar.
The film has received an impressive 92% popcornmeter rating on review-aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, with fans calling it “one of the best thrillers” they have seen — and I couldn’t agree more.
One review said: “Honestly, one of the best thrillers I have watched. Absolutely nerve-racking and exciting, would definitely watch again.”
Another wrote: “Phenomenal. Much better than I expected. Definitely worth the watch.”
While a third said: “Most shocking movie I have ever seen. Entered the theatre being one and left being other. Most roller coaster movie ever…”
As long as you don’t think too hard after the loose ends are seemingly tied up, there’s much to love about this engaging thriller.
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