Film Review: The Housemaid: A Housewife's Conflict Full of Twists

The Housemaid (screenshot)

JAKARTA - Director Paul Feig presents his latest film, The Housemaid. The film, which was adapted from the bestselling novel by Freida McFadden, became one of the most anticipated adaptations by the audience.

The film combines Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney as well as Brandon Sklenar and Michelle Morrone. Paul Feig, known for directing films about marriage, now brings a new story to a similar screen.

The Housemaid tells the story of Millie Calloway (Sydney Sweeney) who starts a new life by looking for a new job. He finds a vacancy as an ART at the home of wealthy couple Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar).

Millie was assigned to take care of Nina and Andrew's children because Nina was pregnant with her second child. Millie was impressed by the luxury of the family and the house so Millie took it easily.

Slowly, Millie began to experience a number of dramas involving Nina and Andrew. Nina often conflicts with Millie while Andrew's attitude arouses suspicion.

At first glance, The Housemaid reminds you of a cheating movie in general. The presence of a new person as an ART is the beginning of the real conflict, but it is like Paul Feig's ingenuity in introducing his characters that keeps the audience curious.

Initially, the film only relied on Amanda Seyfried's explosive acting skills in playing Nina. Many of Nina's expressions and actions are intense but not excessive but still display good performance.

Unlike Sydney Sweeney, whose acting only feels in the middle of the film. Maybe because it's related to the story where Sweeney's character is the main highlight in the second half. Sweeney's expression is not uniform Seyfried but can't be said to be bad.

Apart from acting, his own visuals also don't look luxurious - not as luxurious as Nina and Andrew's house, making this film like a normal film.

In terms of pace, the film starts off feeling slow but finishes in a rush when the moments when the twists and hidden things are revealed and can be an interesting momentum. Feig's direction may be a little reminiscent of A Simple Favor.

However, if you put everything aside and choose to enjoy the story and acting, then The Housemaid is not a bad dish. A film that can still be enjoyed and discussed, especially for those who read the book version.

The Housemaid is in Indonesian cinemas starting December 31.