The Housemaid released December 19, 2025, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, based on Freida McFadden’s bestseller. Sweeney’s Marilyn Monroe-inspired premiere look and the film’s twist-filled plot have captivated audiences nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- Released December 19, 2025 by Lionsgate, based on 2022 novel by Freida McFadden
- Sydney Sweeney channels Marilyn Monroe in white dress at Los Angeles premiere
- Critics praise the thriller: The Guardian calls it “outrageous suspense thriller” with “delightful hall of mirrors”
- Plot follows Millie (Sweeney), a former convict who lies on her resume to get housekeeping job
- Sweeney hopes for sequel as film ends with sequel-baiting conclusion
- 131-minute runtime with R rating for mature themes
- Paul Feig directs from screenplay by Rebecca Sonnenshine
Table: The Housemaid Fast Facts
Background: From Bestseller to Blockbuster
The Housemaid is a 2025 American erotic psychological thriller directed by Paul Feig from a screenplay by Rebecca Sonnenshine, based on Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel. The film premiered at the Axa Equitable Center in New York City on December 2, 2025, before its wide release.
The story follows Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney), a young woman recently released from prison for manslaughter who lies on her resume to secure a live-in housekeeping position with the wealthy Winchester family in Great Neck, Long Island. Her room is an attic space with a window that doesn’t open and locks from the outside.
Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried) appears as a bubbly, put-together mother but shows signs of mental illness. Millie learns from neighbors that Nina attempted to end her own life and her daughter Cecelia’s life by drowning when Cecelia was a toddler.
Sydney Sweeney’s Marilyn Monroe Tribute
At the Los Angeles premiere on December 16, 2025, Sydney Sweeney drew attention in a white dress that paid homage to classic Hollywood glamour and Marilyn Monroe’s iconic look from The Seven Year Itch (1955).
The gown featured tulle, feathers, and a halter neckline, turning the red carpet into a contemporary nod to Old Hollywood. Sweeney’s stylist deliberately channeled Monroe’s legacy, connecting the film’s themes of female empowerment to Hollywood’s golden age.
The actress later changed into a more comfortable outfit for the after-party, trading the Monroe-inspired gown for something safer.
Critical Acclaim: Praise for Thriller Elements
Critics have praised The Housemaid for its execution and star performances. The Guardian called it an “outrageous suspense thriller” where director Paul Feig “ramps up the sexual tension with evident gusto”.
The review highlights the “delightful hall of mirrors” where reality becomes subject to infinite modification, creating an engaging viewing experience.
The New York Times described it as “deliciously over-the-top” and a “tale of feminist revenge,” noting Sweeney’s compelling star power.
AP News praised the film as a “twisty horror-thriller” that keeps audiences guessing until the final moments.
Box Office Performance and Audience Response
The Housemaid opened in theaters December 19, 2025, competing against holiday blockbusters. While specific opening weekend numbers aren’t yet available, the film’s $15 million budget positions it for strong profitability.
Audience reactions on social media praise the film’s twist-filled narrative. The official trailer has generated millions of views across platforms, with fans calling it “wildly entertaining” and “jaw-dropping”.
The film’s 131-minute runtime and R rating haven’t deterred viewers seeking adult thriller content during the holiday season.
Analysis: Why The Housemaid Resonates
The film taps into current cultural fascinations with class dynamics and domestic suspense. Millie’s character—a former convict lying to escape her past—represents the American struggle for second chances.
Nina’s character subverts the “perfect housewife” trope, revealing complex layers beneath a polished surface. This duality mirrors real-world conversations about women’s mental health and societal pressures.
The Marilyn Monroe connection isn’t just fashion-deep. Both Monroe and Sweeney’s character navigate industries that celebrate female strength while exploring vulnerability. The premiere look serves as meta-commentary on Hollywood’s evolution in treating actresses.
Director Paul Feig, known for comedies like Bridesmaids, successfully pivots to thriller territory by balancing “self-aware campiness” with genuine suspense.
What’s Next: Sequel Potential
Sydney Sweeney has expressed hope for a sequel, telling Variety she wants to continue Millie’s story. The film’s ending sets up potential follow-ups, though no official announcements have been made.
Freida McFadden has written two sequels to The Housemaid novel: The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid is Watching, providing ample source material for future adaptations.
Lionsgate typically greenlights sequels based on opening weekend performance, so box office numbers from the next few days will determine the franchise’s future.
Sweeney’s busy schedule includes upcoming projects that could complicate sequel timing, but her enthusiasm suggests she’d prioritize returning to the role.
Subscribe to our movie newsletter for box office updates.
Stay informed with the latest news, in-depth analysis, entertainment, technology, sports and exclusive insights like The Housemaid, Kith Sopranos, Gordon Ramsay, and Bowen Yang. Visit Buzz Explained for more top stories, updates, and expert coverage from all around the world!
