‘The Housemaid’: Paul Feig on Why He Wanted to Direct the Steamy Thriller

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Critics and audiences are loving ‘The Housemaid,’ calling it a wildly entertaining take on Freida McFadden’s popular novel. Director Paul Feig is being praised for his skill in building suspense. The R-rated thriller was a surprising hit, and that’s exactly what Feig, known for his bold style, intended when he took on the project.

Paul Feig, the director behind comedies like Bridesmaids and A Simple Favor, recently told MovieWeb why he was interested in making The Housemaid. He saw the original story as a great foundation for a big, exciting movie. He also felt it would let him use his skills to create a really suspenseful and twisty experience for viewers, something he enjoys doing. He wanted to take the suspense “to 11” and play with audience expectations.

The chance to really play with the audience like this was irresistible. I always aim for a twist in my films – sometimes subtle, sometimes big – because I love both surprising and entertaining people. I also enjoyed how over-the-top this movie could be; I prefer things to be as intense as possible. Everything just clicked. Plus, the story was already popular, giving us a solid starting point. But the biggest draw was Freida McFadden’s incredible writing, and the opportunity to work with a fantastic cast and bring her vision to life.

“The Housemaid” is a suspenseful thriller starring Sydney Sweeney as Millie, a new hire for the wealthy Winchester couple, played by Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar. What seems like a perfect job quickly turns unsettling as Millie uncovers dangerous secrets hidden beneath the couple’s flawless exterior, secrets that may be more threatening than her own.

‘The Housemaid’ Is Darker Territory for Paul Feig


Lionsgate

Feig’s film, The Housemaid, marked a shift for him, moving him further into psychological thrillers after exploring darker themes in 2018’s A Simple Favor. He explained to MovieWeb that he found this transition surprisingly easy, as both comedies and thrillers are about creating strong emotional responses – whether it’s laughter or fear. Both genres depend on building suspense and then providing a sudden release, and he realized he could use his comedy background to create that same effect in a thriller.

Comedy, thrillers, and horror are surprisingly similar. Both laughter and fear are simply strong reactions, and often, a scare is immediately followed by a laugh. This allows a film to elicit a wider range of responses from the audience. By staying true to the genre and maintaining a serious tone, moments of humor feel natural and provide a welcome release, ultimately enhancing the audience’s enjoyment.

Since opening in theaters on December 19th, just before Christmas, The Housemaid has attracted large audiences. It earned over $20 million domestically during its opening weekend, placing it behind Avatar: Fire and Ash and David. With positive reviews and the holiday season continuing, the film is expected to keep earning money, and a sequel is possible. There are additional books and a short story by the author that could be adapted for the big screen if the film proves successful.

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2025-12-24 05:06