Ninetoes vs. The Housemaid

Ninetoes thought he knew what he was in for watching THE HOUSEMAID, but he was wrong…So, very wrong…

A struggling young woman is relieved by the chance for a fresh start as a maid for a wealthy couple. Soon, she discovers that the family’s secrets are far more dangerous than her own.

Directed by Paul Feig

Written by Rebecca Sonnenshine and Frieda McFadden

Starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar

Hey there, movie lovers! It is your old pal, Ninetoes. Today I am taking a look at Paul Feig’s The Housemaid. I have popcorn in my system and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

So, it is Saturday night, and the wife and I have just settled down for the new movie on STARZ, The Housemaid. It was billed as a thriller, and we thought it was about a young woman who goes to work for a rich couple and seduces the husband and kills the wife. Everyone lives happily ever after.

We were wrong…so, so wrong.

This movie is a dark, twisted tale of love, sex, secrets, revenge, and control. Every aspect I just listed is twisted. A young woman (Sydney Sweeney) goes to work for a rich couple to clean the house and help with their daughter. The wife and mother (Amanda Seyfried) hired the young woman without the husband’s (Brandon Sklenar) knowledge. This is the setup. The chess pieces are in place. Let the game begin.

And what a game it is.

I thought I knew which way this was going to go. At first, I was right. I rested on my laurels and thought, “Yeah, I got this one…” The hook was set, and this fish was coasting along until I was reeled in at the end. I did not expect the fisherman to club me on the head several times to make sure I was caught.

After the initial hook, several twists and turns came one right after the other. All of the key players have a secret, and these secrets are what drive the end. It is one hit after another in a way that made my wife and I yell, “Oh, hell no!” As the secrets are revealed, they go from low-key to “You gotta be fucking kidding me!”

The writing is good. It is typical of modern-day thriller fare. However, the writing leads to the pacing of the story, which starts slowly. But then again, all snowballs start slow. When this snowball gains speed, it is too late for the viewer to look away.

The acting was well executed, with major accolades going to Amanda Seyfried. Sure, most people will go to watch the sex between Sweeney and Sklenar. It is Seyfried’s acting that steals the show. Her on-again-off-again bouts of psychosis are a Master Class in acting that anyone who is serious about learning the craft needs to pay attention to. Sweeney is good as the housemaid, but it almost felt like she was just mailing in her delivery….at least until the final quarter of the movie. You will see what I mean. Sklenar was pretty much the same way, mailed it in until the last quarter. When you get to that last bit, do not eat or drink, because the hits come from all sides.

This movie is perfect for fans of domestic thrillers, feminine rage, and good acting.

I give this movie 4 popcorn buckets out of 5!

Until the next time, I bid you happy viewing!

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.