Not too long ago, my Nan, Mum and I picked up Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid after seeing it endlessly hyped online.
Curiosity got the better of us, and by the time we’d all turned the final page, we were in agreement on one thing: absolutely worth it.
So when I spotted that The Housemaid was hitting cinemas on Boxing Day, it felt like the perfect excuse for a Christmas cinema trip, and naturally, it became a festive gift idea. Therefore, the day after its release, the three of us headed to Showcase to see how the story translated to the big screen.
So without further ado, here is my honest, spoiler-free review of this thrilling, spicy and overall highly imaginative screen adaptation🎬📖
First of all… the casting🥸
As a girl who LOVES Mamma Mia, Amanda Seyfried has always been a favourite actress of mine. And my God… she did not disappoint again.
Her ability to completely embody a character is genuinely impressive. As Nina Winchester, she strikes the perfect balance between a polished, affluent housewife and a deeply unsettling, unbearable boss. It’s a performance that feels scarily convincing and translates Freida McFadden’s words to the screen beautifully from start to finish.
Sydney Sweeney was also a strong choice for Millie in my opinion. Beyond being undeniably stunning, she carries a real sense of innocence that perfectly brings Millie’s character to life – the poor, desperate housemaid with so much more beneath the surface? Job done.
Andrew. Handsome, charming, with a hidden dark edge = absolutely spot on.
And finally, while Enzo’s role wasn’t quite as involved in the film as it was in the book, can anyone really complain when Michele Morrone graces the screen? Bravo👏
Setting the scene📼
I have to say, the film’s setting and placement felt spot on. The Winchester house was the perfect exterior choice – pristine and impressive on the outside, yet cleverly masking the unsettling unknown within. The smaller details, hidden design choices and visual clues were clearly intentional and used brilliantly throughout.
(And seriously… did anyone else clock the blonde hair chandelier in the hallway? 👀)
I’ll admit, I imagined the attic room to be a little more old-fashioned – darker, dingier, and more oppressive. But while it was different to what I’d pictured, it never felt wrong. Just unexpected.
The costume design also deserves real credit. Millie’s wardrobe subtly reflects her youth alongside a slightly dated sense of style, perfectly hinting at her disconnect from current trends after time in prison. In contrast, Nina and Cecilia’s crisp, white “uniform-like” outfits reinforced the sense of control and rigidity imposed on them – polished, proper, and quietly unsettling.
Another detail I loved? The soundtrack. The use of modern music made the story feel fresh, current and relevant, tying seamlessly into the film’s themes and elevating key moments.
Overall, the film firmly established a contemporary suburban life – and honestly? No complaints here.
Concluding thoughts…💡
Aside from a few minor narrative tweaks, I’m genuinely happy to say this was one of the stronger book-to-screen adaptations I’ve seen. Its faithfulness to the original story works in its favour, allowing the film to shine both as a respectful adaptation and as an entertaining, compelling movie in its own right.
I also really enjoyed the subtle differences woven throughout, which created a thrilling pace and plenty of twists and turns – even for those of us who already know the story. It’s something I’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone, whether you’ve been a fan from the very beginning or are discovering it for the first time.
Watching it on the big screen added a real depth to the story, making the experience feel far more immersive and, ultimately, even more dramatic.
So, are you ready to reveal what’s hidden behind closed doors? Or if you already have done… what were your thoughts?
Leave a Reply