The Housemaid – Just Short Of. A Good Thriller

By:Dominic La-Viola

From the director of films such as “A Simple Favor,”“Spy,” “Ghostbusters” ( 2016), and “Bridesmaids” comes yet another thriller. 

Paul Feig, who got his start in directing comedies and then made his way into other genres. With this latest film feels very much like a throwback to early 2000s thrillers, although not as captivating. 

The film plays it pretty straightforwardly for almost the entire film.  There’s little room for real tension or any real sense of uncertainty, killing off any chance of suspense. 

It’s clear from the beginning that something is off, that nothing is what it seems. Even the oblivious things are obliviously off kilter.

The film misses its mark at every turn to build suspense or any real anticipation of what’s to come. By halfway through the second act, we know that the film we’re watching isn’t the film that we have been made to believe it is. 

Unfolding the series of events in such a way that the character arcs and introduction of the characters completely contradict who they are. Every character in the film is playing a version of themselves that’s not who they really are, hindering the storyline. 

The performances of the film really are its saving grace. Making the film not only watchable but rather enjoyable. Both Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney embody their characters in such a way that their characters’ underlying despise of one another really comes to life in their performances. So much so that that lingering tension never really fades. 

The shots are crisp, the editing is tight, and the score works. Feig has this way of making the film feel interesting while never really making it intense. 

Which in one aspect really works but at the same time makes the film fall short. Robbing it of becoming a truly great thriller / drama. One that will be remembered beyond recent times. A classic like “Basic Instinct” for example.

Overall, even with its flaws, both in storyline and some plot issues, Paul Feig delivers a film that is both fun and worth seeing.

As much as I think the film doesn’t work on the level of being a great thriller or even a good one. The characters  are interesting enough that you’re drawn into the film, thanks to Seyfried and Sweeney’s performances 

Fieg does a stellar job at maintaining the pacing and flow of the film. Never giving you enough time during the viewing to allow your mind to wonder or truly question some of the things that are happening. For whenever you begin to question something, something else happens or catches your eye. Allowing time for the question to be asked, but never enough time for the mind to wonder. 

One of the biggest problems with the film is the ending and what seems to be a forced opening for a sequel that we will probably never see. 

Overall Rating: 

3.5 / 5 Stars.