The Housemaid Movie Review: A Book Lover’s Honest Take

The Housemaid is a flawed adaptation that struggles to capture the emotional depth of the book, but ultimately redeems itself with a powerful ending.

Not so great part

A Slow Start Compared to the Book

Unlike the novel, the movie starts on a rather slow note. It isn’t as engaging as the book, and the depth of many scenes doesn’t quite land the way it does on the page. Moments that felt intense, layered, and emotionally charged while reading felt noticeably flatter on screen.

Spoiler Alert

Key Scenes That Lost Their Impact

For instance, in the book, the first time Andrew and Millie sleep together is filled with passion and longing. It unfolds smoothly and feels emotionally right, making it easy for the reader to believe in their connection. In the movie, however, the scene feels rushed and almost forced. There’s barely any chemistry, and the moment exists without leaving much of an impact.

Similarly, when Andrew throws Nina out of the house in the book, it’s a major shock. Even though I already knew what was coming, the scene still should have been made more dramatic in the film. Stronger background music, better dialogue delivery, and improved pacing could have elevated it significantly.

Why Enzo’s Character Felt Underwritten

Another scene that fell short was when Andy fires Enzo. In the book, this moment carries a deep sense of uneasiness, and Enzo’s presence holds real importance in the story. In the movie, however, his character lacks depth and fails to reflect the weight he carried in the novel. That said, Enzo’s character could have no, should have been far more important, especially since he never truly warns Millie the way he does in the book.

Missing Emotional Depth in the Film Adaptation

Moreover, the book masterfully manipulates our emotions. We sympathise with Andy, feel a genuine connection between him and Millie, and grow to hate and even fear Nina halfway through the story. Unfortunately, this emotional complexity doesn’t translate well in the movie. The performances by Andy and Millie didn’t feel convincing enough to evoke the same reactions.

In my opinion, the movie could have been far more engaging with better use of music, camera angles, and sharper dialogue.

Good Part

When The Housemaid Finally Gets It Right!

That said, the film improves considerably towards the end. The final act becomes interesting, thrilling, and genuinely gripping.

I personally loved the ending.

Spoiler Alert

Book Ending vs Movie Ending

In the book, the ending felt brutal and deeply unsettling. Millie’s actions came across as sadistic, and Andy’s mental health was never truly acknowledged. His death, particularly the detail of having five teeth pulled out, left an ache in my heart and made me sympathise with Andy, despite his sadistic nature.

The movie takes a different turn, and that change made all the difference for me. Andy is killed in self-defence rather than out of vengeance, and the sequence had me gasping for breath. For once, I didn’t walk away sympathising with Andy.

My heart needed that ending.

Final Verdict: Is The Housemaid Movie Worth Watching?

Watch it when its on Netflix which shouldn’t be long!

All in all, I would rate The Housemaid 3.5 stars, with most of those points going to the ending, which I personally enjoyed.

Thanks for reading!