The Housemaid: Subtle Tension in 4K

Paul Feig attempts to step outside the comedy genre with The Housemaid, an adaptation of Freida McFadden's novel, crafting a domestic thriller that is more controlled than explosive.

The story follows Millie, played by Sydney Sweeney, a young woman seeking redemption after a difficult past. The opportunity arises in the form of a job with a wealthy family, but the apparent normalcy soon cracks, revealing increasingly disturbing tensions.

Precise Direction, Little Audacity

What truly shifts the balance is Amanda Seyfried, who builds an unpredictable and dominant character, capable of making every scene unstable and uncertain in its outcome. Brandon Sklenar is more sacrificed in the role of her husband, lacking impact when the narrative would require greater depth.

Feig demonstrates control in his direction, intelligently utilizing domestic environments and maintaining a fluid pace, but the consistency sometimes clashes. This happens especially in the more explicit moments, giving the impression of wanting to force the impact.

The film builds anticipation well, but never truly delves deep: the plot twists work, without, however, surprising in an even more substantial way. It remains a decently solid thriller, above average, even if it leaves the feeling that it didn't truly dare to take risks.

Shot natively digital at 8.6K resolution (Sony CineAlta Venice 2) then reaching a 4K master, the basis for the creation of this excellent UHD edition. Image format 2.39:1 (3840 x 2160/24p), HEVC encoding on a BD-66 dual layer disc. Exhilarating visual frame, richness of elements even in the background and overall solidity for a spectacle that never ceases to amaze, also by virtue of Dolby Vision, between light dynamics and chromatic extension. Includes BD-50 with the 2K version.

The Housemaid - 4K Amaray Edition Eagle Pictures

27,99

DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Italian and English. Both do not fail to support the viewing despite the 16-bit resolution: well-contrasted dialogues, rear development between echoes, effects, and a greater emotional charge during the musical accompaniment. The original deserves a listen to enjoy the different mood triggered by the original and direct voices.

As extras, a making-of of about 35 minutes focusing on the story, characters, and production. Italian subtitles. Also a steelbook version.