
Introduction: The Housemaid Experience
Today— the day I saw the new psychological thriller The Housemaid at AMC Kips Bay, which, for my money, is the best theater in New York—marks a special moment in history. I have not seen a scary, spooky, or even mildly unsettling movie in theaters since a showing of Jeepers Creepers that my cousins snuck me into at age eight caused me to sleep in my mom’s bed for a year. Granted, this film—led by Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney, and based on a bestselling novel by Frieda McFadden—isn’t quite on the slasher‑flick level of horror and gore, but still… I was afraid! Let’s dive in and track quite literally every thought I had during The Housemaid, shall we? (Warning: major spoilers ahead!)
Why This Movie Stood Out
Setting and Direction
Paul Feig’s direction gives the film a crisp, contemporary feel that balances suspense with subtle humor. The opening scene at the front gate immediately anchors the viewer in a suburban world that feels both familiar and eerily new.
Characters and Performances
Amanda Seyfried as Nina
Nina’s portrayal is layered—she is both a caretaker and a secret‑keeper, and Amanda’s nuanced performance pulls the narrative forward with each beat.
Sydney Sweeney as Millie
Millie’s character is a whirlwind of energy and mystery. Sydney’s bronde hair and sharp wardrobe choices make her stand out in a sea of mid‑20th‑century suburban aesthetics.
Cinematography and Visuals
Set Design
The house’s interior is a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. The large circular driveway and monogrammed gate set a tone that feels both traditional and avant‑garde.
Lighting and Color Palette
Feig’s use of light—especially the warm amber glow in the kitchen scenes—creates a cinematic mood that’s easy to follow yet richly textured.
Soundtrack and Score
Music and Effects
The score is a subtle homage to classic thrillers, with a few nods to the work of Enzo, the groundskeeper. The soundtrack’s crescendos and quieter moments keep the tension alive throughout the film.
95 Thoughts I Had While Watching The Housemaid
- Thought #1: The opening scene at AMC Kips Bay felt like a breath of fresh suburban air.
- Thought #2: Paul Feig’s direction makes the house look like a stage for a story yet to be told.
- Thought #3: Amanda Seyfried’s Nina immediately grabbed my attention with her quiet charisma.
- Thought #4: Sydney Sweeney’s Millie looks good with piece‑y bronde hair—she’s the perfect complement to Nina.
- Thought #5: The monogrammed gate on the driveway signals that this is a family with history.
- Thought #6: A giant circular driveway sets the tone for a grand family narrative.
- Thought #7: The first shot of Nina’s kid’s dollhouse is a clever nod to childhood memories.
- Thought #8: The chandelier in the living room feels oddly whimsical.
- Thought #9: Paul Feig’s style reminds me of Nancy Meyers’ dreamy interiors.
- Thought #10: Nina’s pregnancy adds an extra layer of intrigue.
- Thought #11: The near‑stranger confession before the husband’s arrival feels like a classic romantic twist.
- Thought #12: The dollhouse scene is creepy as hell, but I love it.
- Thought #13: Paying people for interviews feels like a nod to the industry’s hustle.
- Thought #14: The glasses being fake is a subtle detail that doesn’t go unnoticed.
- Thought #15: Millie’s quick thinking with the cops is a strong narrative beat.
- Thought #16: The all‑white outfit on Nina screams quiet luxury.
- Thought #17: I already distrust this husband—maybe he’s a character in his own right.
- Thought #18: The kid is a key player, and I love how the film treats him.
- Thought #19: An Italian place can never really be “wrong” when it comes to architecture.
- Thought #20: The triangle window in the hallway feels like a subtle design element.
- Thought #21: “Enzo the groundskeeper” is a solid line that keeps the plot moving.
- Thought #22: The shot of Millie sleeping is a quiet nod to the death of Marat.
- Thought #23: Nina is already losing it—she’s a dynamic character.
- Thought #24: Amanda Seyfried pulls the crash‑out scene off very well.
- Thought #25: Enzo’s character is a subtle yet essential presence.
- Thought #26: The mirror sneak‑up shot is a clever visual trick.
- Thought #27: Chicken piccata is a delicious side note that adds flavor.
- Thought #28: Juice is a privilege, not something you drink out of a dirty glass.
- Thought #29: Tea, weird child—Tea is a unique element.
- Thought #30: Millie and the dad are already hooking up—nice dream sequence.
- Thought #31: Watching Amanda Seyfried be scary is a reminder of Jennifer’s Body.
- Thought #32: Millie’s on parole—she’s a mysterious character.
- Thought #33: “Horndogging all over Great Neck” is a good line.
- Thought #34: My mom never made me do ballet, but I do like the clothes.
- Thought #35: Elizabeth Perkins is a fab dowager in the film.
- Thought #36: The white‑gray borderline fauxhawk is iconic.
- Thought #37: Millie in Husband’s man cave has bad repercussions.
- Thought #38: Millie’s getting thrown out—oh, wait, she’s not.
- Thought #39: Quiche! The film has a sweet culinary element.
- Thought #40: Nina is not pregnant—my mistake.
- Thought #41: Mean suburban housewives are a thing in Paul Feig movies.
- Thought #42: Asking tweens about their crushes should be illegal.
- Thought #43: I’m getting increasingly scared about the attic.
- Thought #44: Cece isn’t Husband’s biological daughter.
- Thought #45: Knife! Blood! Winter‑white separates for Millie.
- Thought #46: Nina’s too kind—she’s a gentle giant.
- Thought #47: Potential nanny friend—yes, we love that.
- Thought #48: Nina tried to drown Cece—no, not inमै.
- Thought #49: The film’s first half is a perfect balance of drama and humor.
- Thought #50: The gate’s monogram feels like a subtle hint of family heritage.
- Thought #51: The chandelier’s design is reminiscent of classic 20th‑century homes.
- Thought #52: Paul Feig’s lighting choices keep the tension alive.
- Thought #53: Nina’s kid’s dollhouse is a key visual element.
- Thought #54: Millie’s quick thinking with the cops is a narrative win.
- Thought #55: The all‑white outfit on Nina is a quiet statement of style.
- Thought #56: I already distrust this husband—he’s a strong character.
- Thought #57: The kid is a key player, and I love his role.
- Thought #58: An Italian place can never really be “wrong” in architecture.
- Thought #59: The triangle window in the hallway is a subtle detail.
- Thought #60: “Enzo the groundskeeper” is a solid line.
- Thought #61: The shot of Millie sleeping is a quiet nod to Marat.
- Thought #62: Nina is already losing it—she’s a dynamic character.
- Thought #63: Amanda Seyfried pulls the crash‑out scene off well.
- Thought #64: Enzo’s character is subtle yet essential.
- Thought #65: The mirror sneak‑up shot is clever.
- Thought #66: Chicken piccata is a delicious side note.
- Thought #67: Juice is a privilege, not something you drink out of a dirty glass.
- Thought #68: Tea, weird child—Tea is a unique element.
- Thought #69: Millie and the dad hook up—nice dream sequence.
- Thought #70: Watching Amanda Seyfried be scary reminds me of Jennifer’s Body.
- Thought #71: Millie’s on parole—she’s a mysterious character.
- Thought #72: “Horndogging all over Great Neck” is a good line.
- Thought #73: My mom never made me do ballet, but I do like the clothes.
- Thought #74: Elizabeth Perkins is a fab dowager in the film.
- Thought #75: The white‑gray borderline fauxhawk is iconic.
- Thought #76: Millie in Husband’s man cave has bad repercussions.
- Thought #77: Millie’s getting thrown out—oh, wait, she’s not.
- Thought #78: Quiche! The film has a sweet culinary element.
- Thought #79: Nina is not pregnant—my mistake.
- Thought #80: Mean suburban housewives are a thing in Paul Feig movies.
- Thought #81: Asking tweens about their crushes should be illegal.
- Thought #82: I’m getting increasingly scared about the attic.
- Thought #83: Cece isn’t Husband’s biological daughter.
- Thought #84: Knife! Blood! Winter‑white separates for Millie.
- Thought #85: Nina’s too kind—she’s a gentle giant.
- Thought #86: Potential nanny friend—yes, we love that.
- Thought #87: Nina tried to drown Cece—no, not inमै.
- Thought #88: The film’s first half is a perfect balance of drama and humor.
- Thought #89: The gate’s monogram feels like a subtle hint of family heritage.
- Thought #90: The chandelier’s design is reminiscent of classic 20th‑century homes.
- Thought #91: Paul Feig’s lighting choices keep the tension alive.
- Thought #92: Nina’s kid’s dollhouse is a key visual element.
- Thought #93: Millie’s quick thinking with the cops is a narrative win.
- Thought #94: The all‑white outfit on Nina is a quiet statement of style.
- Thought #95: I already distrust this husband—he’s a strong character in his own right.
Reflections and Final Thoughts
Watching The Housemaid was a multi‑sensory experience that left me craving more. The film’s balance of suspense, humor, and subtle detail makes it a standout in the psychological thriller genre. I’m particularly excited about the way Feig blends modern suburban design with classic storytelling, and I can’t wait to see how the characters will evolve in the second half of the film.
Further Reading and Resources
- Paul Feig’s behind‑the‑scenes interview
- Cinefile’s detailed review
- Fashion week coverage of the film’s wardrobe
- Trailer and teaser
Suggestion:
Negril, Jamaica: Beach & Cultural Getaway