The Housemaid
- Gus Keller
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
The Housemaid's high concept pops with twists. Relevant themes around domestic power dynamics are explored. However, the script stumbles beyond this foundation. Its drama develops only enough to serve the plot. Characters have motivations, yet no internal conflicts or arcs. Because these nonspecific emotions don't create clear catharsis, the story feels superficial. Meanwhile, it suffers from corny dialogue, contrivances, and exposition dumps. Although Seyfried is excellent in her turbulent role, Sweeney's charisma is flat (also, Seyfried's screentime is less than one might hope). Still, there's decent setup/payoff as well as satire. Thus, The Housemaid is a mixed bag.
Though debatably intentional, The Housemaid is often campy (with a clumsy climax). Despite brief lighting, focus, and angles, the imagery is frequently generic. Its editing compensates for sagging momentum through timeline jumps plus match cuts. Violence, subjective stings, and clunky voiceovers populate the soundscape. Distractingly cheesy, its music is sunk by poor needle drops. The production design's primary setting has a strong, upscale personality. Its famous cast adds interesting plays on against-type fit in its supporters. Makeup, stunts, and minor prosthetics are contributed via the effects. Overall, The Housemaid flashes potential but struggles to find its voice.
Writing: 5/10
Direction: 5/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 6/10
Sound: 6/10
Score/Soundtrack: 3/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.1/10
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