Directed by Paul Feig, this film is an adaptation of Freida McFadden’s novel of the same name. The story leans heavily into the 1990s-style domestic thriller. The Hand That Rocks the Cradle springs easily to mind, where the tension and action are contained almost entirely within the home.
Sydney Sweeney plays Millie, an ex-con out on parole - a fact we learn early in the tale - who is desperate for a fresh start. Living out of her car, she is struggling to find work to satisfy her parole officer and avoid being sent back to prison to serve the remainder of her sentence. She eventually lands a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Winchester family. Upon arrival, she introduces herself to Nina (Amanda Seyfried), wife of Andrew. There is also a sinister-looking bloke in the garden who doesn't say much.
Nina engages Millie for the post almost on the spot. Millie is shocked to get the job, assuming her lack of references and criminal background (which she doesn't declare to Nina) would disqualify her. On her first day, Nina introduces Millie to her daughter and husband, announcing that Millie will be moving in. Andrew clearly knows nothing about this but, appearing surprised, goes along with the decision. An immediate chemistry between Andrew and Millie is laid out for the viewers to soak up!
Once she moves in, Millie begins her duties, which include helping to look after the spoilt-brat daughter, Cece. Millie's room is in the attic - a secret space that Nina claims used to be Andrew’s storeroom. Millie tries to open the only window, but it won’t budge. Almost immediately, we see Nina behaving erratically - shouting, screaming and threateningly blaming Millie for things she hasn't done. Andrew eventually calms her down and apologises to Millie. After finding a hoard of prescription medication bottles in the bathroom cabinet, Millie begins to see Andrew as the peacemaker. One day, when Nina fires Millie in a fit of rage, Andrew mediates and tidies up the mess.
Partway through the film, after focusing primarily on Millie, the emphasis switches to Nina, and we begin to learn about her background. Then it is Andrew’s turn, as his domineering mother arrives to ensure he knows his place within the family and its wealth. The rest of the plot is difficult to discuss without spoiling the numerous twists and turns, but it is a neat enough ride. It possesses all the elements of a decent thriller, keeping the viewer focussed for the duration of its two-hour runtime.
As you will have gathered by now, this is a story of victims and villains, survivors, tragedy and abuse. Some elements are somewhat predictable as the tale unfolds. I felt that the character of Andrew’s mother could have been utilised more effectively, but generally, the characters remain solid. Apparently, in the book, Andrew's mother is far creepier than she is portrayed here. There's a couple of steamy sex scenes in the mix, as you'd expect with Sweeney in the cast!
Seyfried captures that fragile-but-calculating element very well, while Sweeney plays the desperate but dangerous role slightly less convincingly - but decently enough. Ultimately, it is a mystery-shrouded thriller that relies heavily on a house with dark secrets to tell. It is violent and bloody in places, but the real focus is on determining who is who, what roles they are playing beneath the surface - and unpicking the plot before it is served up to you. Which you probably will! All good fun and it's now starting to arrive on streaming services in the UK.





