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The film industry is experiencing a notable shift following the box office triumph of The Housemaid, a psychological thriller that has surpassed $300 million in global earnings. This success underscores a potential resurgence for mid-budget films, which have often been overshadowed by major blockbusters.
With a production budget of just $35 million, The Housemaid has not only recouped its costs but has also generated significant profits for Lionsgate, the film’s studio. Starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, the film debuted shortly before Christmas, amassing $116 million in the United States and an impressive $189.1 million internationally, solidifying its status among audiences.
The Housemaid’s remarkable journey
Directed by Paul Feig, The Housemaid is adapted from Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel. The narrative centers on a young woman, portrayed by Sweeney, with a troubled past who becomes the live-in housekeeper for a wealthy couple. As the plot unfolds, the seemingly idyllic life of the couple, played by Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, reveals unsettling secrets, keeping viewers engaged.
Reception and impact
Upon release, the film quickly received positive reviews and benefitted from strong word-of-mouth, contributing to its enduring popularity into the new year. The Housemaid has topped box office charts in numerous international markets, including the United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Brazil, and Spain. The UK has emerged as a key territory with earnings of $36.4 million, closely followed by France at $33.4 million, and various Latin American countries contributing $26.2 million.
In light of this success, plans for a sequel titled The Housemaid’s Secret are already underway. With two sequels based on McFadden’s novels, the franchise is set to continue, with Sweeney, Feig, and Michele Morrone, who plays the groundskeeper, expected to reprise their roles.
Sweeney’s breakout performance
For Sydney Sweeney, The Housemaid represents a significant milestone, marking her highest-grossing lead role to date, surpassing her previous achievement with Anyone But You, which earned $220.2 million. While Sweeney has appeared in critically acclaimed films such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where her role was smaller, The Housemaid has established her as a leading actress in the industry. This film comes in the wake of the underwhelming performance of her previous project, Christy, which struggled to make an impact.
Feig’s directorial triumph
For Paul Feig, The Housemaid stands as his most successful project thus far, surpassing his previous box office hit, Bridesmaids, which grossed $289.3 million. Feig has consistently advocated for the potential of female-led films in Hollywood, often facing skepticism regarding their box office viability. His efforts have proven fruitful, as evidenced by The Housemaid‘s ability to resonate with audiences.
Feig underscores the importance of quality storytelling and engaging content, asserting that films must cater to their audiences thoughtfully. He believes that the success of female-centric narratives will continue as long as they are crafted with care and creativity.
Future prospects and streaming release
Following its theatrical success, The Housemaid is poised to make its digital streaming debut, expanding its audience reach. Scheduled for release on premium video on demand, the film will be available for rental or purchase on platforms such as Apple TV, Fandango, YouTube Movies, and Prime Video. This transition to digital is expected to enhance its audience engagement, reinforcing its position as a modern classic in psychological thrillers.
The journey of The Housemaid not only highlights its commercial success but also reaffirms the demand for compelling narratives that resonate with viewers. As it prepares for its streaming release, the film is set to attract a new wave of fans eager to explore its gripping storyline and the complexities of its characters.