Sydney Sweeney’s The Housemaid is stirring Oscar chatter without a ballot in sight. Paul Feig’s sleek Lionsgate adaptation, starring Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, has outpaced a famously contentious Best Picture, an outcome few prestige voters predicted.

Sydney Sweeney’s The Housemaid has overtaken Crash on Lionsgate’s all-time domestic box office chart, surpassing the Oscar Best Picture winner’s U.S. total. That achievement positions the 2025 thriller as a rare modern release outperforming a historically contentious awards title.

Released in December 2025, The Housemaid is directed by Paul Feig and adapted from Freida McFadden’s bestselling psychological novel of the same name. That box office milestone is supported by approximately $70 million in global grosses against a reported $35 million budget.

Deadline reported that the film earned $2.155 million on Wednesday, raising its domestic total to $56.2 million in its second theatrical week. Consequently, the thriller now ranks above Crash, Why Did I Get Married?, and Saw among Lionsgate releases.

Released in 2005, Crash built its reputation through Academy recognition rather than sustained ticket sales. By contrast, The Housemaid benefits from holiday attendance patterns, reinforcing how commercial longevity can eclipse awards-driven prestige.

With numbers like these, the obvious question becomes whether the movie earns applause or merely the receipts.

Is The Housemaid actually that good?

After its box office achievement, The Housemaid has sparked debate over whether it is actually that good, with critics and audiences framing it as a guilty pleasure rather than a cinematic masterpiece. Its 75 percent Rotten Tomatoes score highlights the good points of the movie.

Audiences respond even more favorably, giving it a 92 percent Verified Hot rating, reflecting strong approval from 'BookTok' fans and general moviegoers. This contrast demonstrates that while critics find flaws, the film succeeds in delivering suspenseful entertainment.

As far as the performances go, critics remain divided over Sydney Sweeney’s performance. They have often called it less compelling than her co-stars. Amanda Seyfried’s portrayal of Nina Winchester stands out as a dominant presence, anchoring the film’s narrative.

Basically,The Housemaid is thriving because it delivers exactly what viewers expect: a twisty, over-the-top psychological thriller. Its homage to 1990s female-driven domestic thrillers, combined with plot surprises and relevant social themes, ensures it entertains and maintains audience interest throughout.

What are your thoughts on The Housemaid's latest achievement? Let us know in the comments

Written by

Iffat Siddiqui

Edited by

Itti Mahajan