Sydney Sweeney is proving, once again, that box office numbers speak louder than online criticism. The actress has delivered one of the biggest commercial surprises of the year with her latest R-rated psychological thriller, The Housemaid, which has officially crossed the $100 million mark worldwide and continues to climb at an impressive pace.
Despite skepticism surrounding her rapid rise in Hollywood, Sweeney’s latest success reinforces her growing star power. With strong international performance, solid domestic earnings, and enthusiastic audience response, The Housemaid has become a breakout hit that few initially predicted would reach such heights.
A Major Milestone for The Housemaid
According to studio figures, The Housemaid has already grossed approximately $133 million worldwide. Of that total, $75.7 million has come from the U.S. market alone, while international territories have contributed $57.3 million across 63 countries.
Even more impressive is the film’s second weekend overseas, where it earned $27.4 million — a remarkable 48 percent increase over its opening weekend. Such growth is rare for thrillers, especially R-rated ones, and signals strong word-of-mouth among global audiences.
With momentum still building, industry analysts project the film’s total global run to land between $210 million and $260 million, making it one of the most profitable psychological thrillers in recent years.
A High-Impact Film on a Modest Budget
One of the most striking aspects of The Housemaid’s success is its relatively modest production budget. The film was made for approximately $35 million, excluding marketing costs — a fraction of the budgets often seen in franchise-driven blockbusters.
Directed by Paul Feig and written by Rebecca Sonnenshine, the film is based on Freida McFadden’s 2022 bestselling novel. The adaptation remains faithful to the book’s unsettling tone while expanding its cinematic tension.
From a financial perspective alone, The Housemaid is already a major win. The film has more than tripled its production budget, placing it firmly in hit territory and solidifying its long-term profitability.
A Story Built on Suspense and Secrets
At the heart of The Housemaid is a slow-burning psychological mystery. Sydney Sweeney plays a young woman with a troubled past who takes a job as a live-in housekeeper for a wealthy, seemingly perfect family.
That family is portrayed by Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar, whose polished exterior soon begins to crack. What initially appears to be an ideal household gradually reveals layers of deception, manipulation, and dark secrets.
As tensions rise, the film leans heavily into paranoia and emotional unease rather than relying on cheap scares. This approach has resonated strongly with audiences looking for thrillers that prioritize atmosphere and character-driven storytelling.
Critical Response and Standout Performances
While box office success often tells only part of the story, The Housemaid has also earned praise from critics. Reviews have highlighted the film’s unpredictable twists, sharp pacing, and its ability to sustain suspense throughout its runtime.
Amanda Seyfried, in particular, has received widespread acclaim for her performance, with many critics citing her portrayal as one of the film’s strongest elements. Sweeney, meanwhile, has been praised for balancing vulnerability and intensity, continuing her evolution beyond the roles that first brought her mainstream recognition.
Together, the cast’s performances elevate the film from a standard thriller into a more psychologically layered experience.
A Strong Opening Against Tough Competition
The Housemaid premiered in New York City on December 2 before opening in U.S. theaters on December 19. Its release date placed it in direct competition with several high-profile films, including major franchise titles and family-friendly releases.
The film was projected to earn between $20 million and $25 million from 3,015 theaters during its opening weekend. It ultimately debuted with $19 million, finishing third at the box office — a solid result considering the competitive landscape.
Notably, the film earned $8 million on its first day, including $2.3 million from Thursday night previews, indicating strong early interest from audiences.
Word-of-Mouth Drives Momentum
What truly sets The Housemaid apart is its staying power. Unlike many films that drop sharply after opening weekend, this thriller has gained momentum — especially overseas — thanks to strong word-of-mouth.
Audiences have responded positively to the film’s twists and psychological tension, recommending it to others rather than treating it as a one-time viewing experience. This organic buzz has fueled its impressive second-weekend growth and suggests the film still has plenty of box office life left.
Studio executives have pointed to the film’s performance as evidence that mid-budget thrillers with strong casts can still break through in a market dominated by tentpole franchises.
Sydney Sweeney’s Career Momentum Continues
For Sydney Sweeney, The Housemaid represents another major milestone. Over the past few years, she has steadily built a reputation as an actress willing to take creative risks, moving between television, independent films, and mainstream cinema.
Despite facing online criticism and skepticism about her casting choices, Sweeney’s box office track record continues to strengthen. With The Housemaid, she demonstrates that audiences are willing to show up for her — not just as a supporting presence, but as a central figure in commercially successful films.
The Bigger Picture for Hollywood Thrillers
The success of The Housemaid sends a clear message to studios: audiences still crave suspense-driven stories with compelling characters, especially when paired with recognizable talent.
At a time when many mid-budget films struggle to find theatrical footing, The Housemaid stands out as proof that smartly marketed thrillers can still perform at a global scale.
With its strong financial return, positive reception, and growing cultural conversation, the film has become one of the year’s most notable surprise hits.
Final Thoughts
Sydney Sweeney’s latest box office triumph isn’t just a win for one actress — it’s a reminder that talent, timing, and the right story can still break through industry noise. The Housemaid has defied expectations, silenced doubters, and delivered a financial and critical success that few saw coming.
As the film continues its theatrical run, one thing is clear: Sweeney isn’t just surviving Hollywood scrutiny — she’s thriving in spite of it.