Amanda Seyfried’s Housemaid: A Thrilling Adaptation That Surpasses the Book

Brandon Sklenar and Amanda Seyfried in “The Housemaid”.
Credit :

Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate

NEED TO KNOW

• Critics shared their reviews of The Housemaid on Tuesday, Dec. 16, praising the twisty thriller as over-the-top fun.
• Directed by Paul Feig, the movie stars Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, and Michele Morrone.
• Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid, has claimed that she thinks the movie is superior to her own book.

The Housemaid‘s reviews have generated buzz, indicating that the film may be even more thrilling and crowd-pleasing than the bestselling novel it adapts.

Critics’ assessments of the film, which debuted on December 16, reveal a consensus that the psychological thriller effectively delivers its promised twists with engaging execution.

Graeme Guttmann of ScreenRant remarked, “People will certainly call The Housemaid a guilty pleasure. It was practically designed that way. But there should be no guilt in the enjoyment of this bonkers ride.”

Kate Erbland from IndieWire noted that audiences “should absolutely see Paul Feig’s The Housemaid with a crowd … because this almost-camp adaptation is miles more fun when taken in with a raucous audience.”

Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried in “The Housemaid”.

Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate

In the film, Sydney Sweeney portrays Millie, a live-in housekeeper for the seemingly perfect Winchesters, played by Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar. The plot intensifies as Nina, Seyfried’s character, becomes increasingly unhinged.

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian commended the “tastily over-the-top acting,” stating that “Feig and his cast deliver it with terrific gusto — this is an innocent holiday treat.”

Tim Robey from The Telegraph observed that Seyfried “comes close to stealing the whole thing” with her performance, adeptly embracing the film’s exaggerated tone.

Sydney Sweeney in “The Housemaid”.

Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate

In a review for USA Today, Brian Truitt described Seyfried as a “force of nature throughout,” highlighting her commitment to the film’s chaotic energy while also revealing vulnerability in her character’s arc.

Pete Hammond of Deadline noted Seyfried’s exuberance, stating she “is a real hoot getting to chew the pretty scenery with such force you will feel like arresting her for overacting — but that is all on purpose and deliciously fun to watch her lose it.”

David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter praised the ensemble for keeping the story engaging through its numerous twists, especially noting Seyfried’s standout performance.

Freida McFadden has expressed that she prefers the film adaptation over her own bestselling novel, indicating a strong approval of the filmmakers’ creative choices.

Meagan Navarro from Bloody Disgusting emphasized that the adaptation amplifies the novel’s more outrageous elements to deliver thrilling, twisty fun. She stated, “It’s the type of operatic insanity that practically begs for more.”

The Housemaid has been recognized by Entertainment Weekly as one of the top 10 movies of 2025, asserting that it promises a uniquely enjoyable theater experience.

The film is slated for theatrical release on Friday, December 19.