Thriller enthusiasts gear up for a wild ride as one of the holiday season’s most talked-about films arrives. How long will The Housemaid be in theaters? This adaptation of Freida McFadden’s smash-hit novel opens wide across the U.S. tomorrow, December 19, 2025, promising an exclusive big-screen experience that could last well into the new year depending on audience turnout.
Lionsgate launches the movie in thousands of theaters nationwide. The studio banks on strong holiday demand for adult-oriented suspense, positioning it as sharp counterprogramming amid family-friendly blockbusters.
Release Details and Theatrical Window
The Housemaid debuts exclusively in theaters on December 19, 2025. No streaming or digital release dates appear yet, ensuring a traditional theatrical window.
Genre films like this often run for several weeks or months in cinemas. Box office performance dictates screen retention—robust ticket sales extend playtime. Early buzz and advance bookings suggest it could thrive through the festive period and beyond.
The film premiered earlier this month in New York City on December 2, 2025, generating immediate excitement. Trailers and promotional pushes have built anticipation for months.
From Page-Turning Novel to Screen Sensation
Freida McFadden’s 2022 book The Housemaid captivated millions, spending weeks on bestseller lists with its addictive plot of deception and revenge. Readers devoured its unpredictable narrative, making it a natural fit for adaptation.
Lionsgate acquired the rights amid fierce competition. Director Paul Feig, known for blending sharp drama with engaging storytelling in hits like A Simple Favor, takes the helm.
A Plot Packed with Secrets and Surprises
Sydney Sweeney portrays Millie, a young woman haunted by her past who secures a live-in housemaid role with the affluent Winchester family. The luxurious estate offers a chance at stability, complete with high pay and elegant surroundings.
Amanda Seyfried plays Nina Winchester, the polished matriarch who hires Millie. Brandon Sklenar embodies her charming husband Andrew. Initial impressions paint an idyllic picture, but eerie rules and odd behaviors soon emerge.
Locked rooms, unexplained tensions, and escalating mind games pull Millie deeper into danger. The narrative delivers relentless shocks, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and hidden truths in a gripping domestic nightmare.
Star Power Elevating the Tension
Sydney Sweeney anchors the film as Millie, capturing vulnerability and growing resolve with nuance. Her rising profile adds significant draw.
Amanda Seyfried shines as Nina, delivering a captivating, multifaceted performance full of intensity and unpredictability. Critics highlight her commanding presence.
Brandon Sklenar brings depth to Andrew, balancing allure with mystery. Supporting roles from Michele Morrone and Elizabeth Perkins enhance the intricate family dynamics.
Paul Feig directs with confidence, amplifying character interactions and suspenseful pacing.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Reactions
Early reviews praise The Housemaid as a throwback to classic ’90s thrillers, blending high camp with genuine thrills. It holds strong approval ratings, celebrated for entertaining twists and bold execution.
Critics call it wildly fun holiday escapism, with Seyfried’s portrayal earning particular rave notices. Many note its popcorn appeal and shared audience energy.
Premiere attendees and advance screenings report enthusiastic responses—gasps, discussions, and theories abound, underscoring its communal viewing strength.
Runtime, Rating, and Cinematic Experience
The film clocks in at 2 hours and 11 minutes, providing a meaty yet tightly paced story. Its R rating covers violence, sexual content, language, and thematic intensity, aligning with the novel’s edge.
Theodore Shapiro’s score heightens atmosphere, while production design makes the opulent home a key player in the drama.
Theaters offer the optimal setting for its jolts and reveals. Surround sound and dark auditoriums intensify every moment, making group reactions part of the thrill.
Premium formats elevate visuals and audio for deeper immersion.
Perfect Holiday Counterprogramming
Amid seasonal animations and adventures, The Housemaid targets adults seeking suspense. Its outrageous elements and satisfying payoffs provide ideal escapism.
The story’s exploration of facades and consequences resonates, wrapped in glossy, over-the-top drama.
Theatrical Run Expectations
Addressing the core query—how long will The Housemaid be in theaters?—it starts its exclusive run tomorrow, December 19, 2025. Successful openings frequently sustain films for weeks, potentially carrying this one into January or longer.
Monitor local listings, as demand influences showtimes. Popular slots book fast during peak seasons.
This adaptation honors the book’s spirit while delivering cinematic flair. Sweeney and Seyfried lead a cast that brings the twists to vivid life.
Don’t wait—catch The Housemaid on the big screen starting tomorrow and join the conversation about those jaw-dropping moments!