If you’re looking for a great watch in the cinema, this could be the film for you.
Going to the cinema can still be an enjoyable experience(Image: Roger Mechan via Getty Images)
My mum, being a Sky Cinema member, receives two complimentary cinema tickets each month – and she alternates between taking my sister and me to catch the latest films. It’s a cute little tradition, made all the more convenient by the fact that her local Vue cinema (the only chain where the tickets are valid) is just a five-minute drive away.
This time around, The Housemaid was on the cards; having only seen the trailer and a few TikTok videos of women shielding their boyfriends’ eyes during certain scenes, I was bracing myself for an uncomfortable viewing experience. However, I found the film to be fast-paced, mildly risqué for about five minutes, and packed with unexpected plot twists.
The Housemaid initially focuses on Millie (Sydney Sweeney), an ex-convict on parole who is desperately in need of employment. Soon enough, she finds herself sitting across from Mrs Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried), who just so happens to be looking for a live-in maid.
The offer seems too good to pass up, particularly as Millie has been sleeping rough in her car and washing in public restrooms.
Once hired, Millie’s quickly introduced to Mrs Winchester’s handsome husband, Andrew (portrayed by Brandon Sklenar), who initially appears to be a devoted family man dealing with an unstable wife.
In a job she can’t afford to walk away from, Millie finds herself biting her tongue as Mrs Winchester’s demands become increasingly chaotic.
Witness to his wife’s tantrums, Andrew begins to feel sorry for Millie and tries to comfort her, which predictably turns into an affair – but that’s when the predictability stops.
Unexpected plot developments arrive one after another, maintaining the film’s brisk momentum; before long, Mrs Winchester’s viewpoint emerges, and the audience are shown what really drove her to madness.
The two-hour runtime flies by remarkably quickly, making for genuinely compelling viewing. Plus, Amanda Seyfried delivers an outstanding performance as an emotionally fragile mother justifiably worried about her wandering husband.
Notably, Sydney Sweeney excels in her part – creating a character audiences find themselves supporting as she seeks retribution against the charismatic unfaithful spouse, convincingly brought to life by Brandon Sklenar.
What other people are saying
The production has earned a remarkable 92% popcornmeter score on movie review platform Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers hailing it as “one of the best thrillers” they’ve experienced – a sentiment I wholeheartedly share.
One reviewer stated: “Honestly, one of the best thrillers I have watched. Absolutely nerve-racking and exciting, would definitely watch again.” Someone else said: “Phenomenal. Much better than I expected. Definitely worth the watch.”
Provided you don’t scrutinise the conclusion too closely once everything appears resolved, this gripping thriller offers plenty to appreciate.