A New Psychological Ride Begins

Sydney Sweeney is stepping into darker territory with The Housemaid, an adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling 2022 novel. Best known for her roles in Euphoria and Anyone But You, Sweeney now takes the lead in a story packed with deceit, secrets, and dangerous seduction.

This time, she’s joined by Amanda Seyfried, acclaimed for Mean Girls, Mamma Mia, and the crime drama Long Bright River. Together, the pair headline a psychological thriller promising to mix glamour with menace in a film that is already generating buzz.

Yellowstone Connection Adds Star Power

Adding to the anticipation is Brandon Sklenar, familiar to fans of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone spin-off 1923. Sklenar, also known for It Ends With Us, plays Andrew, the wealthy husband at the heart of the story’s twisted household. His presence ties this project to the Sheridan TV universe, bringing a familiar face to viewers who followed his journey on the frontier drama.

The cast also features Italian star Michele Morrone (Another Simple Favor), while the entire project is directed by Paul Feig. Known for comedies like Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters (2016), Feig is taking a sharp turn into thriller territory. According to Feig, the film delivers “pure entertainment – a sexy and surprising rollercoaster ride” that will shock audiences at every turn.

The Plot: Secrets Behind the Mansion Walls

At the heart of the film is Millie (Sweeney), a young woman desperate for a fresh start. When she lands a job as a live-in maid for Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew (Sklenar), the picture seems perfect. A wealthy family. A beautiful home. A chance to rebuild her life.

But perfection never lasts. As Millie becomes entangled in the couple’s world, she discovers their lives are far more sinister than they appear. Secrets fester behind closed doors, and what begins as a job quickly spirals into a nightmare.

This blend of psychological tension, simmering intimacy, and shocking revelations mirrors the page-turning energy that made McFadden’s novel a viral sensation.

First Look Teases Tension

Lionsgate has already released striking first images. In one, Seyfried’s Nina appears behind Sweeney’s Millie in a bathroom mirror, her presence looming like a threat. Another shows Millie holding a mysterious key, echoing the book’s original cover art and hinting at dark discoveries ahead.

These snapshots confirm that Feig’s adaptation leans into suspense and visual storytelling, capturing the unease that keeps audiences second-guessing every character’s motive.

Faithful Yet Fresh Adaptation

Book-to-screen adaptations always spark debate, but both cast and director assure fans that The Housemaid respects its source material. Seyfried herself praised the film for preserving “the secrets, the tension, and the twists” readers adored.

Reviews of McFadden’s novel often highlight its shocking unpredictability. One Goodreads fan described it as “so many twists, turns and surprises… shock after shock!” The film aims to replicate that dizzying pace, with an added cinematic flair.

While some changes from the book are expected, Feig insists the story’s seductive danger remains intact. His vision, combined with powerhouse performances from Sweeney and Seyfried, could make The Housemaid one of 2026’s standout thrillers.

A Thriller With Bite

With its star-studded cast, steamy psychological undertones, and a bestselling novel as its backbone, The Housemaid promises to keep audiences guessing until the final frame. For Sweeney, the role cements her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile young talents. For Seyfried, it’s another chance to dive into layered, complex drama.

The addition of Yellowstone’s Brandon Sklenar brings even more weight, ensuring Sheridan’s universe continues to shape Hollywood far beyond the ranch.

When The Housemaid hits theaters, it won’t just be another adaptation. It will be a dangerous dance of trust, betrayal, and obsession — one that leaves viewers breathless.