There is always a certain kind of nervousness when a favorite book is turned into a movie. Readers want the adaptation to be great, but there is always the fear that the filmmakers will miss the details that made the original story special.
Now that “The Housemaid” is finally in theaters, audiences have their answer. While the film is entertaining enough for a casual movie night, it doesn’t live up to the book.
One of the biggest issues is how the film portrays the main character, Millie. In the book, readers are able to hear Millie’s inner thoughts throughout the story. Her internal monologue reveals how carefully she plans her actions and shows just how intelligent and calculating she really is.
In the movie, that perspective is mostly lost. Without hearing Millie’s thoughts, viewers do not see the strategy behind her decisions. Instead of appearing like a character with a carefully constructed plan, she often seems to be reacting to situations as they happen.
Another major difference is the ending.
The book’s conclusion is quiet and unsettling, which perfectly matches the tone of the story. It leaves readers thinking long after they finish the final page. The film, however, replaces that subtle ending with a louder and more chaotic action sequence.
The change makes the ending feel more like a typical Hollywood thriller rather than the slow-building suspense that made the book memorable.
Many readers seem to share the same opinion about the adaptation.
Student Addyson Palmer said the movie left out some of the most important parts of the story.
“Honestly, just read the book,” Palmer said. “The movie didn’t have all the best parts.”
For viewers who have not experienced “The Housemaid” yet, the book may still be the best place to start. The movie can be enjoyable for a quick watch, but the original story offers a deeper and more engaging experience.
