Plot
Millie Calloway is a homeless young woman, with a troubled past.
She lies on a resume in order to become a live in maid for the wealthy Winchester family, and is hired by the young wife Nina, who at first welcomes her with open arms.
But once there, Nina’s demeanor shifts, and becomes cruel and overbearing. Her daughter Cece, treats her like a commoner. Her one solace is the kind natured husband Andrew.
But is there more to this family than meets the eye?
Cast
Sydney Sweeney plays Millie, who is desperate for a ‘new start’ in life. We learn later in the film that she has recently been in prison, and served ten years of a 15 year sentence for manslaughter (she killed a man who was raping another woman).
Amanda Seyfried is really the MVP here, as Nina, whose character changes from overly friendly, to callously malicious within seconds. The ‘second’ half of the film starts with Nina’s Point of View…. and man… it is a doozy of twist!!!
Brandon Sklenar is equally as impressive as Andrew, who has a similar character arc to Nina. He is kind, empathetic and is the one person that Millie can turn to as Nina’s attitude towards her boarders on abusive… until that twist…
Other cast include Indiana Elle as Cece, Elizabeth Perkins (severely underused) as Mrs Winchester, Andrew’s mother, and Sarah Cooper as Pam – Millie’s parole officer..
Breakdown
Based on the novel by Frieda McFadden (that I have not read) this is a somewhat lengthy film at 2hrs 11m. But you don’t really notice the length, and for once – it really does utilise its time wisely. Also because of it being based on a novel, and how the act breakdown is structured, the use of narration is needed.
A “secondary” character that is not a person, but the house itself should be mentioned. The Winchester’s home is picturesque- behind electric gates. It is large – beautiful and with a somewhat clever foreshadowing comment from Nina as she walks Millie through the house in the opening parts of the film. Millie’s room at the top of the house, plays a very important part of the film in the last parts.
The film is mostly about the erratic behaviour of Nina towards Millie. At first you’re not sure why she would stay – as the verbal abuse is almost overly extreme. However then we discover that Millie has recently been released from prison, and if she doesn’t comply with this job, she might just go back. As the behavior intensifies- Millie grows close to Andrew – and soon they begin an illicit affair!
I found that most of these scenes with Nina v Millie very anxiety ridden, and you really feel for poor Millie. Kudos to Seyfried for being able to play downright crazy so well! After Andrew cant cope with Nina’s behaviour anymore – he throws her out – and this is where we get the big twist… *** spoiler ahead ***
It is actually Andrew who is the monster, having faked all of Nina’s past psychological issues – lying to everyone (drugging her, psychologically torturing her) and threatening her life with daughter Cece. This is all revealed in Nina’s narration of her story of how she met Andrew.
She concocted a plan to find a “replacement” and ex con Millie was her target. The only nitpick I had with all of this was, why did Andrew think Nina was really going crazy with Millie… when she wasn’t ever crazy – or ever part of “high society”
Also why did he let her still have access to Cece after he kicked her out?
This is such a fantastically written second half of the film, because within minutes you go from absolutely hating Nina, to absolutely loving her. It also explains fully all the ‘gossip’ about her past in the mental institution for trying to drown her daughter.
The final arc, where Andrew reveals his colours to Millie, and she gets the upper hand on him is a little prolonged- and the final moments between the women after everything is “done and dusted” feels rather apathetic… but I loved the open ending that sets up a sequel (where clearly the bad blood between the women is over)
The film was directed by Paul Fieg, who is primarily known for his comedic prowess. He does drama well, and there are a few key moments that were done well (the self torture that Andrew puts both women through) and they really do make the women look the ‘correct age’ in the present and flashbacks.
Overall
Despite a couple of downs, this was a solid thriller. With great performances- especially from Seyfried and Sklenar – and that “gotcha” twist in the mid point of the film.
A strong recommend. Check out my podcast where we discuss further.
4/5
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