Sydney Sweeney Aims for “Life-Saving” Cinema Following ‘The Housemaid’ Box Office Success
According to Cinemadrame News Agency, In a candid sit-down with the BBC, 28-year-old American actress Sydney Sweeney expressed a deep desire to star in films that “save people’s lives” and leave a lasting cultural impact. While Sweeney faced a turbulent box office run in 2025 with titles like Eden, Americana, and Christy, she has found both critical acclaim and commercial redemption with The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig.
An adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel, The Housemaid stars Sweeney as Millie, a young woman seeking a fresh start as a domestic worker for a wealthy couple, Nina and Andrew. However, the dream job quickly devolves into a nightmare as Millie uncovers the family’s dangerous secrets.
Sweeney, a self-proclaimed fan of McFadden’s work, described the project as a “dream come true,” noting her affinity for “complex, suspenseful, crazy, and intertwined stories.”
The film also features Amanda Seyfried, who remarked on the “uncanny similarities” between herself and Sweeney. “It’s fascinating to work with someone who lives life in a similar way and shares the same ideals regarding work and life,” Seyfried told the BBC.
While The Housemaid draws stylistic comparisons to 1990s psychological thrillers like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and Fatal Attraction, it distinguishes itself through its modern exploration of psychological and physical abuse. Seyfried noted that the cast successfully “hit the right tone,” expressing hope that beyond its entertainment value, the film will foster a “better understanding of domestic violence.” Director Paul Feig emphasized his cautious approach to the subject matter, stating he prioritized “psychological abuse over physical violence” to ensure the message resonated without being gratuitous.
The interview also touched upon the controversy surrounding Sweeney’s partnership with American Eagle. Following a period of silence after being accused of racial insensitivity regarding the campaign, Sweeney recently told People magazine that she stands “against hate and division.” However, many industry observers view the statement as a calculated move toward damage control following months of public scrutiny.
