Things truly have changed in the housemaid industry, as Merry Poppins would likely notice after watching The Housemaid. Back in the good old 19th century, there would have been a much smaller chance of the lord of the manor meeting their young, attractive maid watching TV in his man cave. But this is just one of the situations that takes place in this thriller. Like almost anything where Sidney Sweeney appears, her body is a big element of this film, further building on this myth that anything alive right now has to find her simply irresistible or repulsive.
In this case, Sweeney brings her universe-spanning sex appeal to a wealthy family where she, having a troubled past, arrives as a live-in housemaid. Immediately, the setup of "everyone has countless secrets and then some" starts playing out, along with Sweeney's dress-up and show-off process. But, even though the film at moments feels like some low-key comedy and in the next moment something like a misdirected soap, it's still entertaining. There's a lot of inspiration in it, including things like Misery and even a hint of subtle social criticism and a hands-on type of feminism. All of that is happening along with abundant Sidneyploitation.
In many ways, The Housemaid is like Sweeney herself. You might have different takes about her looks, acting abilities, talent, and even possible political alignment. But, chances are that despite those opinions, you're still looking to see what will happen next. This film, too, takes us on a journey, and if you accept its offer, you'll also, in all likelihood, stick out until the end.
