What is the surprise in 'The Housemaid' book? Transformation of Freida McFadden's novel into a movie starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried

The suburbs often hide the most chilling tales, and Freida McFaddens 2022 thriller The Housemaid is no exception. The story is being adapted into a film directed by Paul Feig, featuring Sydney Sweeney as Millie, a young woman who lands a job as a housekeeper for the affluent Winchester family. Amanda Seyfried stars as Nina, the family matriarch, whose outward charm masks darker intentions. Millie, however, has secrets of her own.

The films trailer hints at a tense narrative: a coroners truck outside the Winchester home, Ninas unpredictable behavior, and fleeting flashes of Millie acting aggressively. The story keeps viewers guessing, although fans of the bestselling book already know the key twists.

The Books Plot Uncovered

Millie starts her new position at the Winchester mansion while hiding a recent prison sentence. Initially, Nina seems kind and supportive, but her behavior soon turns erratic, particularly around her young daughter, Cecilia. In contrast, Andrew, Ninas husband, appears charming and attentive, drawing Millie into a secret affair during a night out in New York.

When the affair is discovered, Nina leaves, and Millie moves in with Andrew. Things take a dark turn as Andrews demeanor shifts to controlling and abusive, locking Millie in her room and demanding harsh tasks. Millie gradually learns that Nina herself endured similar treatment at Andrews hands. Ninas earlier actionsher odd behavior and manipulationwere part of a plan to break free from his abuse.

The story then shifts to Ninas perspective, revealing Andrews history of control and manipulation, including gaslighting Nina and framing her as unstable. Realizing she cannot escape on her own, Nina strategically recruits Millie, knowing her resilience and past experiences would allow her to confront Andrew. Millie ultimately turns the tables, trapping Andrew in a room where he dies, making it appear accidental, and freeing Nina and Cecilia from his control.

Sequels Expand Millies Story

McFadden continued the saga with two sequels: The Housemaids Secret (2023) and The Housemaid Is Watching (2024). In the first sequel, Millie takes on a new job in New York, uncovering potential abuse similar to Ninas, and becomes entangled in a womans scheme to seize her husbands fortune. The third installment finds Millie married to Enzo, the Winchester gardener, attempting a peaceful suburban life. Yet new threats emerge, including suspicious neighbors and another death, forcing Millie to confront danger once again.

Additional material, such as the short story The Housemaids Wedding, bridges events between the second and third books, exploring challenges on Millies wedding day. The first movie adaptation is set to hit theaters on December 19, 2025, with the potential to continue exploring McFaddens gripping series.

Author: Noah Whitman