Lionsgate Unveils First Trailer for The Housemaid

Lead: Lionsgate released the inaugural trailer for The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, on September 16, setting the stage for the psychological thriller’s December 19 theatrical debut.

Nut Graf: Adapted from Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel, the film explores themes of power and deception within an affluent Long Island household, promising audiences a tense narrative driven by dual performances from two rising stars.

Trailer Teases Dark Twists

The two-minute trailer opens with Amanda Seyfried’s Nina Winchester welcoming ex-con Millie (Sydney Sweeney) into the family home, only to hint at hidden dangers lurking behind closed doors. Shattered glass, frantic screams and ominous glances punctuate scenes that blur the line between employer and pawn. A haunting rendition of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” underscores the mounting suspense as Millie whispers, “I need this. I can’t lose it,” foreshadowing the stakes of her precarious new position.

Star Power and Creative Team

Paul Feig directs the film, marking a tonal shift from his comedic oeuvre into psychological horror. Feig co-wrote the screenplay with Rebecca Sonnenshine and serves as producer alongside Todd Lieberman and Laura Fischer. Both Sweeney and Seyfried also hold executive producer credits, affirming their creative investment in the project.

Release and Expectations

Set to premiere December 19, The Housemaid joins an increasingly crowded end-of-year slate, vying for audience attention with a blend of thriller intensity and star-driven appeal. Lionsgate aims to capitalize on the novel’s popularity and the actresses’ momentum, positioning this adaptation as a must-see holiday offering.

Behind the Scenes Insights

  • Casting Chemistry: Erin Westerman, Lionsgate’s production chief, praised Sweeney and Seyfried for their “mysterious” and “nuanced” portrayals, highlighting their ability to maintain suspense through subtle performance shifts.
  • Director’s Vision: Feig described the film as “tension, scares and comedy intertwined,” emphasizing his goal to balance psychological thrills with unexpected moments of levity.
  • Author’s Reaction: Freida McFadden, whose novel inspired the adaptation, lauded the “perfect cast and director,” expressing gratitude for seeing her work brought vividly to the screen in promotional posts earlier this year.

As the holiday movie season approaches, The Housemaid aims to deliver unsettling thrills and strong performances, positioning itself as a standout adaptation of a modern thriller novel.