Twists and turns keep you guessing, always leaving viewers drawn in. “The Housemaid” (2025) does exactly that. The movie is described as a psychological thriller about deception, trust, and love, following Millie, who seeks a fresh start and takes a job as a housemaid, uncovering dark secrets.

Based on a novel by Freida McFadden, who has written 29 books. “The Housemaid” series consists of four books. McFadden is a best-selling author of psychological thrillers and medical humor, and she also works as a physician specializing in brain injuries. She receives mixed reviews from readers. Many find her books addictive, fast-paced, and entertaining; others find the writing simple and the plots convoluted. Paul Feig, director of “The Housemaid,” fell in love with McFadden’s best-selling novel and wanted to create a highly cinematic, suspenseful experience with significant twists. The movie was a massive success, grossing $247 million worldwide on a $35 million budget. It came out in theaters on Dec. 19, 2025.

“The Housemaid” begins with Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney “Euphoria,” “The White Lotus”), the main character, seeking a new job at the affluent home of Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried “Mean Girls,” “Mamma Mia”). Millie doubts she will hear back due to her complicated history. Nina reassures her that they will be in touch, and Millie moves on with her day. The story then shifts to Millie living in her car, desperately needing the job because it also offers housing. When Nina hires Millie, the latter does not realize what she is about to get herself into.

Sweeney stated in an interview with Behind the Clapperboard, “Freida McFadden resonates with so many people because she has such an amazing way of making books so relatable, but then also plays into many fears that we all have, and she ties such an incredible balance of like character, story and tonality and you’re on the edge of your seat wanting to finish the book. I mean, I read it in one setting. I could not put it down.”

In the film, some characters are rushed and given brief introductions, like Enzo, played by Michele Morrone (“365 Days,” “Another Simple Favor”). However, the book and movie share the same core theme and premise, and overall, the book’s mood is successfully conveyed in the film. There were clearly changes made to the plot in the movie to make it seem more cinematic.

“If you don’t take care of your teeth, then you will lose the privilege to have teeth” is a significant quote from the book that symbolizes power and manipulation, and how that quote is dramatized in the film is worth seeing.

Seyfried said playing Nina Winchester is the most fun she has had with a role since “Mean Girls.” In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she was asked what her most “Regina George” thing is in the movie. Her response was “when she said she’s going to take the money for the tickets out of Millie’s paycheck.”

In the same ET interview, Brandon Sklenar (“It Ends with Us,” “1923”), who plays Nina’s husband, Andrew Winchester, was asked what was harder to survive: the wilderness in reference to his role in “1923,” or Nina Winchester? SkIenar responded with “Nina Winchester, way scarier than some lions.” In a pivotal episode of “1923,” while on an African safari, Sklenar’s character, Spencer Dutton, is attacked by a charging lion.

“The Housemaid” song track featured popular artists such as Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Lana del Rey, and Jessie Murphy. The film beautifully uses music to showcase the protagonist’s personality and mood, featuring a variety of talented artists as she cleans. These songs made the film stand out, punctuating intense, twisted scenes and capturing female rage. Some say the song choices were out of place, but others say they made the music memorable, which contributed to the film’s success.

The movie featured many hidden visuals, plot twists, and Easter eggs. Even if you haven’t read the novels to be able to catch the Easter eggs, the film is worth watching on its own accord.

“The Housemaid” (2025) is currently playing in theaters and is available for pre-order on Apple TV and YouTube. It will also be available to stream on Starz in April.