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Sydney Sweeney on her mission to highlight domestic violence
The 28-year-old actor tells the BBC she wants her work to address critical social issues, particularly through mainstream cinema. Sweeney stars in The Housemaid, a psychological thriller exploring domestic abuse, and the boxing biopic Christy, which also tackles the topic.
The Housemaid: A modern twist on a dark theme
Based on Freida McFadden's 2022 bestselling novel, The Housemaid follows Millie Calloway (Sweeney), a woman employed by the troubled Winchester family. The film blends psychological tension with contemporary themes of abuse, drawing comparisons to 1990s thrillers like Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct.
Sweeney, a self-proclaimed fan of the book, describes the project as a "dream," praising its "complex, juicy, and twisted" narrative. The film also stars Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester, a character grappling with severe mental health struggles.
"You have to play it as realistic as possible because it needs to reflect real life."
Amanda Seyfried on portraying mental health in the film
Cast dynamics and creative challenges
Seyfried and Sweeney were cast partly for their physical resemblance, but Seyfried notes their off-screen connection deepened their on-screen chemistry. "There's a similarity between us that's uncanny," she says, adding that their shared approach to work allowed them to "go to these crazy places" in their performances.
Brandon Sklenar, who plays abuser Andrew Winchester, admits the role was emotionally taxing. "It's intense and ultimately going to affect you in certain ways," he says, contrasting the character with his role in It Ends With Us, another film centered on abuse.
Balancing entertainment and social impact
Director Paul Feig, known for Bridesmaids and The Heat, says he approached the film's sensitive subject matter with caution. "I made sure there wasn't any physical abuse, that it was more psychological abuse," he explains.
Seyfried hopes the film will foster greater understanding of domestic violence, particularly for audiences unfamiliar with the issue. "Despite the movie being entertainment, people [should] come out with a better understanding," she says.
Box office success and future projects
The Housemaid opened to strong reviews, earning four stars from The Guardian, which called it an "innocent holiday treat." The film grossed $19 million (£14 million) in North America during its opening weekend, a relief for Sweeney after a year of professional scrutiny.
Her American Eagle jeans campaign earlier in 2025 sparked backlash over beauty standards and racial representation. Sweeney addressed the controversy in People Magazine, stating she was "against hate and divisiveness."
With the novel's sequels already published, Feig hints at potential future adaptations. He also reflects on Hollywood's growing reliance on bestselling books, calling them a "known quality" for studios but cautioning that not all translate well to film.
"There are plenty of books that are really popular that just don't work as movies."
Paul Feig on adapting novels
What's next for The Housemaid
The film is now showing in UK cinemas. Feig reveals an "extra ending" not found in the original book, offering fans a fresh twist. "Readers can get something new that they didn't expect," he says.
