Sydney Sweeney shared fresh insight into her acting philosophy while attending the New York City premiere of her latest thriller, “The Housemaid,” on Tuesday, December 2. Discussing the Sydney Sweeney acting approach, she explained how she connects with morally ambiguous characters and the importance of empathy in her performances.
Empathy at the Heart of Every Character
Sydney Sweeney, joined by co-stars Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone, and Elizabeth Perkins, spoke to Variety about how she crafts her roles. On playing characters who make questionable choices, Sweeney said,
“I think it’s important as an actor to find empathy for your character even if you don’t agree with all their choices,”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actor. She believes that finding the humanity within each character is key:
“It’s complex but that’s where you find the vulnerability in that person.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actor.
Based on Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel, “The Housemaid” opens in theaters on Friday, December 19. Sweeney plays Millie Calloway, a maid who uncovers hidden secrets in the home of a wealthy family.
Continuing about her craft, Sweeney asserted,
“That’s our job to find every single layer to a person whether we believe or agree with it or not,”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actor. Her comments highlight her pursuit of depth and authenticity within even the most challenging characters.
Red Carpet Camaraderie and Creative Partnerships
On the red carpet, Sweeney appeared in a shimmering silver Miu Miu gown and a white feathered boa, capturing attention alongside her castmates in New York. Amanda Seyfried wore a baby pink Versace gown crafted by Dario Vitale, paired with statement jewelry, as the two actresses posed together for photographers.
Sweeney reflected on her relationship with Seyfried, saying,
“Amanda and I became sisters. She was the bestest friend ever,”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actor. The strong bond extended to their on-screen collaboration:
“We have so much fun together, and I actually think that when you have a scene partner and actor that you can have fun with and you feel safe with and free, it actually makes those kinds of scenes even better.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actor. Their connection has added a natural dynamic to their shared scenes, enhancing the authenticity of the story’s emotional moments.
Embodying Characters Through Intense Preparation
This year, Sweeney has stretched her range with diverse roles, including portraying boxing legend Christy Martin in a recent biopic. To depict Martin convincingly, Sweeney underwent extensive preparation:
“I came onboard to play Christy, and I had about three and a half months of training,”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actor. Her physical transformation was rigorous:
“I started eating. I weight-trained in the morning for an hour, kickboxed midday for about two hours, and then weight-trained again at night for an hour.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actor. Over several months, Sweeney gained thirty pounds and committed daily to both weight training and kickboxing to bring authenticity to the screen.
Beyond “The Housemaid” and the Christy Martin biopic, Sweeney appeared in two other films in 2023: “Eden” and “Echo Valley,” demonstrating her readiness to tackle a variety of demanding roles.
Pushing Boundaries and Inspiring With Confidence
Reflecting on her body of work during an interview with Variety in October, Sweeney noted,
“I play a lot of very divisive characters,”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actor. She acknowledged the misconceptions that the public might have about her image and choices, explaining,
“And I think that a lot of people think they know me, but they don’t. So when people think, ‘Ah, she’s a sex symbol,’ or, ‘She’s leaning into that,’ I’m like, ‘No, I just feel good and I’m doing it for myself and I feel strong.’ And I hope that I can inspire other women to be confident and just flaunt what they got and feel good because you shouldn’t have to apologize or hide or cover up in any room.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actor.
Sweeney’s mindset not only shapes the Sydney Sweeney acting approach, but also positions her as a role model for self-empowerment and authenticity in film and beyond.
Sydney Sweeney’s Method: Impact and Anticipation
Sweeney’s methodical and empathetic approach to acting sets her apart in Hollywood, as she navigates demanding roles with both vulnerability and strength. As “The Housemaid” prepares for release and Sweeney continues to explore complex characters, audiences and critics alike remain eager to see how her dedicated process will influence her future projects and expand her influence among film’s most daring talents.
#SydneySweeney says you should find empathy for a character "even if you don't agree with all of their choices" at #TheHousemaid premiere in NYC. pic.twitter.com/x6QmLCYZSu
— Variety (@Variety) December 3, 2025
