The Housemaid | Film Review

 

A woman (Sydney Sweeney) looking for a fresh start becomes a housemaid for a wealthy couple.

I'm not going to lie, I was sceptical about this film. I hadn't heard the best things about the author's books (though I've never read any), and I hadn't heard good things about the acting. But I liked the plot so I tried to go in with an open mind.

This is a weird one - it was undeniably stupid, and most of the bad things said about it are completely true, but I still had a good time!

It was really entertaining! Even when things got really stupid and unrealistic, it never lost my attention for a second.

But it did get unrealistic. There were so many plot holes that the whole first act of the film doesn't really make any sense. There are way too many questions to ask about all of the characters at this point, because none of their actions make sense.

The comments on the acting are accurate, Seyfried definitely carried the film. But as much as things are said about Sweeney's acting (which I agree with), I don't think many of the other actors were that much better!

There were a few characters that were really underused, and it made no sense. One in particular I've heard was used really well in the book, so casting a recognisable actor and then not using him was an odd choice.

It wasn't particularly well written, but as I haven't read the book this could completely be in keeping with that.

Mentioning the book, the characterisation of Andrew (played in the film by Brandon Sklenar) seems to make a lot more sense than it did in the film. I'm trying not to spoil anything so I can't say exactly what, but his actions and how they caused Millie (Sweeney) to react didn't always work in the film, whereas it seems that in the book his character was different, which made Millie's actions make more sense.

None of the characters were likeable, and while a film doesn't always need this, this film in particular definitely needed us to be on someone's side.

Some of the song choices were really odd and took me out of the film.

It also didn't need to be as long as it was - it took too long to start, and way too long to end.

Overall, despite all my criticisms I did have fun, and I'd probably watch this again. It's most fun to watch (and make fun of) with other people, so I'd recommend it!

5/10