It is more of a psychological thriller and drama than a traditional horror film. The "scares" come from the psychological torment, betrayal, and intense emotional situations rather than ghosts or jump scares. It's described as an "erotic psychological thriller".

The story follows (played by Jeon Do-yeon), a innocent young woman hired as a housemaid for an ultra-wealthy, upper-class family. The household is run by the cold, pregnant matriarch Hae-ra (Seo Woo) and her powerful, arrogant businessman husband, Hoon (Lee Jung-jae).

Critics were divided upon release. Many praised the film’s visual style, acting, and daring subject matter. Others felt it could not match the raw power of the 1960 original, which is considered one of the greatest Korean films ever made. Roger Ebert gave it 3 out of 4 stars, noting that the film “creates a claustrophobic atmosphere of dread.” However, some found the plot predictable and the character motivations thin.

The 2025 film is a completely separate project. It is an American adaptation of a 2022 novel by Freida McFadden, directed by Paul Feig and starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. The 2010 film is a South Korean remake of a classic Korean film from 1960.

The film masterfully crafts a sense of tension and unease, slowly revealing the housemaid's true nature and her obsession with the family, particularly the father, Dong-ik. The housemaid's actions become increasingly erratic and sinister, leading to a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between her and the family.

The film also touches on themes of class and social status, with the housemaid's character serving as a symbol of the underclass. Her obsession with the wealthy family serves as a commentary on the allure of wealth and status, as well as the ways in which social hierarchies can be both oppressive and alluring.

It isn't just the husband who is the antagonist; the female characters—Hera and her mother—represent the terrifying lengths the elite will go to maintain their "purity" and status.

Set in 1930s Korea, the film subtly weaves in the political and social changes occurring during that period, providing a backdrop that influences the characters' actions and fates.

The narrative centers around a wealthy family, the Lee family, who hire a young and mysterious housemaid, named Hyeon-woo, played by Lee Jung-jae. The housemaid, whose real name is not revealed until much later in the film, becomes an integral part of the household, taking on various roles and responsibilities. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the housemaid's intentions are far from pure.

: While purists prefer watching films with subtitles, a massive segment of the viewing public prefers localized dubbing. A Hindi dub allows viewers to focus entirely on the intense facial expressions and visual geometry of Im Sang-soo’s cinematography without constantly looking at the bottom of the screen.

The Housemaid is far more than an explicit thriller; it is a visually stunning piece of art.