The Housemaid Film: The Shocking Evolution Of A Thriller Trilogy (1960, 2010, & 2025)

The Housemaid is not just one film, but a cinematic dynasty of psychological and erotic thrillers that has captivated and shocked audiences across three distinct eras of filmmaking. The keyword "The Housemaid film" refers to a trio of compelling narratives—the 1960 South Korean classic, its controversial 2010 remake, and the upcoming 2025 Hollywood adaptation—all of which explore the explosive themes of class warfare, sexual power dynamics, and domestic terror. As of

December 11, 2025,

the conversation surrounding this title is more vibrant than ever, bridging the gap between Korean cinematic masterpieces that influenced films like *Parasite* and a highly-anticipated new American psychological thriller starring Hollywood’s current elite. This deep dive will explore the legacy of the original, the intense controversy of the remake, and the fresh details of the new adaptation that promises to bring the domestic thriller genre to a new generation.

The Housemaid (2010) - Key Cast and Director Profiles

The 2010 South Korean remake, titled *Hanyeo* (하녀), is the most internationally recognized version of the story, known for its sleek visuals and unreservedly dark, erotic tone. Directed by Im Sang-soo, the film was a major presence at the Cannes Film Festival, solidifying the careers of its main stars.

• Im Sang-soo (Director & Screenwriter): Born in 1962, Im Sang-soo is a provocateur known for his sharp, satirical critiques of South Korean society and its elite. His films are often characterized by their stylish, high-gloss cinematography and themes of sex, power, and corruption. He also directed *A Good Lawyer's Wife* (2003) and *The President's Last Bang* (2005).
• Jeon Do-yeon as Eun-yi: A world-renowned actress, Jeon Do-yeon is celebrated as one of South Korea's finest performers. She won the Best Actress award at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival for her role in *Secret Sunshine*. Her portrayal of Eun-yi, the naive yet determined housemaid, is central to the film's shocking narrative.
• Lee Jung-jae as Hoon: Before his global fame in the Netflix series *Squid Game*, Lee Jung-jae played Hoon, the wealthy, callous patriarch who seduces the housemaid. Lee Jung-jae's performance captures the character's cold, entitled nature, embodying the film's critique of the ultra-rich.
• Youn Yuh-jung as Byeong-sik: The veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung, who later won an Academy Award for *Minari* (2020), plays the older, cynical housekeeper, Byeong-sik. Her character serves as a crucial, often terrifying, observer and enabler of the family's dark secrets, adding immense topical authority to the domestic setting.
• Seo Woo as Hae-ra: Seo Woo plays Hae-ra, Hoon's pregnant wife. Her character represents the cold, calculating nature of the elite, whose primary concern is maintaining the family's social standing and wealth at any cost.

The 2010 Remake: Erotic Thriller, Class Warfare, and *Parasite*’s Progenitor

The core of the 2010 film, much like its 1960 predecessor, is a chilling exploration of South Korea’s rigid class structure, but Im Sang-soo’s version dials up the erotic and psychological horror elements to an extreme degree.

Plot Summary and Controversial Themes

The story follows Eun-yi, a young woman hired as a new housemaid for a spectacularly wealthy family living in a lavish, sterile mansion. The family consists of the patriarch, Hoon, his pregnant wife, Hae-ra, and their young daughter, Nami. The domestic tranquility is shattered when Hoon initiates a clandestine sexual relationship with Eun-yi. What begins as a power imbalance and a casual affair quickly devolves into a dark, psychological war. When Eun-yi becomes pregnant, the family, led by Hae-ra and her mother, conspire to force her to have an abortion and then systematically torture her to eliminate the perceived threat to their privileged existence. The film is a morality play about the amorality and warped sense of entitlement of the very rich.

A Progenitor to Bong Joon-ho’s *Parasite*

The influence of the *Housemaid* films on modern Korean cinema, particularly the works of director Bong Joon-ho, cannot be overstated. Both the 1960 original by Kim Ki-young and the 2010 remake are frequently cited as primary influences on the themes and domestic drama of the Oscar-winning film *Parasite*. Bong Joon-ho himself acknowledged the 1960 classic as a key inspiration, specifically noting the use of staircases to visually represent the sense of infiltration and the stark divisions between the rich and poor families. The 2010 film continues this tradition, using the luxurious, multi-story mansion as a cage for the family and a battleground for the class conflict, ultimately positioning *The Housemaid* as a foundational text for the "high-class trash" subgenre of Korean cinema.

The New Housemaid (2025): Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and the American Adaptation

The latest iteration of the domestic thriller theme is an American adaptation of Freida McFadden's bestselling 2022 novel, *The Housemaid*. This new film, set for release on December 19, 2025, marks a significant, fresh update on the core concept.

New Director and High-Profile Cast

The upcoming adaptation is directed by Paul Feig, best known for comedies like *Bridesmaids* and *Ghostbusters*, but who has also ventured into the thriller genre with *A Simple Favor*. The film boasts a powerful, high-profile cast that ensures massive commercial appeal:

• Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway: The *Euphoria* and *Anyone But You* star plays Millie Calloway, the main protagonist who is hired as a housemaid for a wealthy family. Her character is described as having a troubled past, which she must keep secret.
• Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester: Seyfried, known for her roles in *Mamma Mia!* and *The Dropout*, plays Nina Winchester, the wealthy, seemingly erratic woman who hires Millie.
• Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester: Sklenar plays Andrew Winchester, Nina’s handsome and charming husband.
• Michele Morrone as Enzo: The *365 Days* actor is also part of the main cast, playing the character Enzo.

A Twist-Filled Psychological Thriller

Unlike the Korean films, which are deeply rooted in class dynamics, the new American *Housemaid* is a psychological thriller focused on unreliable narrators and shocking twists. The plot centers on Millie, who finds herself working for the Winchesters. She quickly realizes that Nina is deeply unstable, and Andrew is not the man he appears to be. The novel is famous for its mid-story twist that completely reframes the narrative and the audience's perception of the characters. Early reactions to the film suggest it is a "twisted fun" thriller that manages to be even better than its source material, promising a viral, must-see cinematic experience. The focus here is less on the socio-economic critique of the Korean originals and more on a high-octane battle of wits and survival, redefining the meaning of the "housemaid" in the modern thriller landscape.