The first trailer for The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, has been unveiled ahead of its December 19, 2025 release. This psychological thriller, adapted from Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel, follows Milly (Sweeney), a young live-in maid who uncovers disturbing secrets within the wealthy family she serves, while also hiding secrets herself. Directed by Paul Feig, known for A Simple Favor, the film features Brendan Sklenar, Michele Morrone, and Elizabeth Perkins in key roles.
The Film’s Darker Turn Compared to Previous Adaptations
The Housemaid presents a tone more steeped in psychological horror and violence than similar adaptations like A Simple Favor, which blended mystery with dark comedy. The film’s trailer, set to a slowed version of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please,” highlights chilling and unsettling visuals, suggesting a grittier direction for director Paul Feig. The decision to release it just before the holiday season, ahead of the blockbuster Avatar: Fire and Ash, signals Lionsgate’s confidence in The Housemaid’s ability to generate sustained audience interest into the new year.
Sydney Sweeney’s Challenging Year and Career Outlook
The Housemaid represents a pivotal moment for Sydney Sweeney following a turbulent 2025 marked by critically mixed films and commercial disappointments. For instance, Ron Howard’s Eden performed poorly at the box office, grossing only $1 million, while Echo Valley received limited theatrical exposure and elicited lukewarm responses. Additionally, Christy, positioned as a major Oscar contender and released a month before The Housemaid, garnered mixed critical reactions after debuting at the Toronto International Film Festival. Coupled with recent social media controversies surrounding Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign, her year has been fraught with challenges.
Yet, there have been notable successes that suggest a brighter future. The sleeper hit Anyone but You opened modestly but ultimately earned $88.3 million domestically and over $220 million worldwide. Similarly, Paul Feig’s A Simple Favor was a box office success, taking in $97 million in 2018. Financial achievements of book adaptations like It Ends with Us, which grossed $351 million globally after going viral on TikTok, also bode well for The Housemaid’s prospects. If it catches on with audiences, this thriller could provide a positive capstone to Sweeney’s year.
Main Cast and Characters
Sydney Sweeney leads as Milly Calloway, the new live-in maid entangled in the household’s dark mysteries. Amanda Seyfried plays Nina Winchester, closely tied to the family’s enigmatic dynamics. Brendan Sklenar appears as Andrew Winchester, Nina’s husband, while Michele Morrone takes on the role of Enzo. Elizabeth Perkins also joins the ensemble, contributing to the film’s atmospheric tension and layered storytelling.
Implications and Expectations for The Housemaid
The Housemaid’s blend of psychological horror and thriller elements, combined with a storyline revolving around hidden truths and personal secrets, positions it as a potentially intense cinematic experience. Lionsgate’s bet on the film’s staying power over the holiday and into January indicates expectations that word of mouth could drive viewership beyond its opening weekend. For Sydney Sweeney, a strong reception could shift the trajectory of a complicated year, reinforcing her status within the thriller genre and broader film industry. Paul Feig’s direction promises one of his darkest films yet, signaling an evolution in his approach to suspense and violence.
