The psychological thriller The Housemaid (2025), directed by Paul Feig, is based on the 2022 bestseller by Freida McFadden. The film, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, deconstructs power, gender abuse and class differences. The narrative begins with Millie (Sweeney), a recently paroled and homeless woman coping with economic hardship. In her hope for a secure future, she becomes housekeeper for the wealthy Winchester family, led by the seemingly perfect Andrew.
The “crazy” and the weapon of motherhood
The film initially revolves around the volatile dynamics between Millie and Nina (Seyfried), Andrew’s “fickle” wife, while the husband takes center stage as a neutral observer. At the beginning, the story presents a seemingly naive woman entering a space of entitlement and exploitation. Nina is portrayed as “crazy woman“, framed by the metaphor of the “bad mother” due to her alleged psychotic behavior towards her daughter. This relationship is initially characterized by manipulation and power games, in which Nina seemingly exercises arbitrary authority over Millie in order to make her life difficult.
However, as the plot progresses, we realize that this depiction of “madness” is a tool of gaslighting used to obscure systemic abuse. Andrew, who initially appears “innocent,” is revealed to be the main architect of domestic violence. The horrific scenes, such as locking Nina in the attic or forcing her to pull out her own hair, show that the woman’s “madness” is often a calculated product of the man’s control. By depicting these psychological and physical tortures, the film shows how patriarchal violence often remains hidden behind the facade of a “monstrous” individual rather than being recognized as a systematic problem.
Class differences and the vulnerability of housework
The film also reflects on how class differences are used as a weapon against marginalized women. As a working-class woman, Millie’s precarity leaves her vulnerable to the “knight in shining armor” fantasy. Andrew exploits their desperation by using his wealth and “heroic” personality to satisfy his ego while maintaining a performative gaze of empathy. This highlights a broader social reality: in domestic spaces, obedience is often demanded of the worker under the guise of “help,” turning work into a site of exploitation.
Although Nina has class privilege, she is not exempt from patriarchal control. Her status as a “trophy wife” gives her authority over the household staff, yet she remains confined within the four walls of her home and remains silent. This intersection of class and gender shows that while Nina can exert power over others, she is also a victim of the same oppressive structures that exploit Millie.
Sisterhood and the Price of Liberation
The film’s conclusion offers a satisfying subversion of these power dynamics. When Millie “turns the tables” on Andrew, the act of revenge serves as a moment of hard-won sisterhood. However, several questions remain regarding the nature of women’s agency in these areas. Why do women have to be pushed to the brink of survival before they are allowed to defend themselves? Why is liberation often a luxury that requires women to first be labeled “hysterical” or “crazy” by society?
Ultimately, The Housemaid reveals how gender-based violence is shaped by class and dependency. While the sisterhood shown at the end is powerful, it highlights women’s ongoing struggle to find their way in a world where they are often forced to undermine each other in order to survive in a patriarchal system.
References
- The Housemaid (Spoilers and Ending Explained) | Freida McFadden – The PhDiva reads books
- The Housemaid Movie Ending Explained | TIME
- Film Review: “The Housemaid” – A twisty gothic thriller with a feminist twist – The Arts Fuse
Sariya Imam is a media student at Aligarh Muslim University with an academic focus on human and minority rights. Her work focuses on amplifying marginalized voices and addressing social justice issues