The Housemaid: A Thrilling Cinematic Experience
The suspense-filled thriller The Housemaid has hit theaters, delivering a series of jaw-dropping moments. This article delves into the film’s conclusion, highlighting differences from the book. Spoilers ahead for those who haven’t watched it yet.
Synopsis
Millie, portrayed by Sydney Sweeney, seeks a fresh start by becoming a live-in housemaid for the affluent Nina and Andrew Winchester, played by Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, respectively. What initially appears to be an ideal job soon spirals into a perilous game of secrets and power, revealing unexpected twists.
Plot Unfolds
Early in her employment, Millie notices Nina’s erratic behavior, as she accuses Millie of theft and forgets her own instructions. Nina requests Millie to arrange a romantic getaway in New York City, but later denies it, suggesting the cost would be deducted from Millie’s pay. Andrew opposes this and suggests Millie use the tickets with a friend. With no one to accompany her, Andrew joins her, leading to a night at a hotel where they become intimate.
Upon returning, Nina, aware of their escapade through phone tracking, accuses Millie of car theft, causing a rift with Andrew. He ends his relationship with Nina and asks Millie to stay, as his feelings for her grow. However, an accident involving a cherished plate changes everything.
Andrew locks Millie in the attic, revealing his true nature as the antagonist.
Revelations and Flashbacks
Flashbacks disclose that Nina was never unstable. Andrew, who met Nina while she was a single mother, quickly engaged her. However, his obsession with perfection led to abusive punishments, locking her in the attic for minor infractions. He manipulated situations to have her institutionalized, framing her for attempting to harm their daughter.
Nina hired Millie, hoping Andrew’s attention would shift, allowing her to escape. Millie’s past, including a prison sentence for defending her roommate, made her the perfect candidate.
Movie vs. Book
In the film, Millie is coerced into self-harm by Andrew but finds a hidden knife left by Nina. She uses it to injure Andrew and escape, locking him in the attic. Millie forces Andrew to extract a tooth as retribution. Nina returns, unknowingly freeing Andrew, leading to a confrontation where Millie ultimately causes Andrew’s demise.
Nina fabricates a story for the police, with an officer corroborating it due to personal history with Andrew. Millie receives financial help from Nina to start anew and is seen interviewing for another housemaid role, hinting at a possible sequel.
In contrast, the book ends with Andrew perishing in the attic. Millie partners with the groundskeeper Enzo to aid women in abusive situations.
Conclusion
The director has commented on Sydney Sweeney’s resilience during a personal breakup while filming, adding another layer of complexity to the production.
The Housemaid offers a gripping narrative with unexpected turns, leaving audiences eager for more.
