Sydney Sweeney, the 28-year-old American actor, has spoken about her mission to create films that can impact and potentially save lives. Known for her recent roles in the psychological thriller The Housemaid and the boxing biopic Christy, Sweeney is increasingly drawn to projects that explore domestic violence and mental health issues.

Sydney Sweeney’s Approach to Challenging Roles

Sweeney describes domestic violence as a “prevalent” issue and emphasizes the care she takes when portraying characters affected by it. She told the BBC:

“Being able to have a film that’s on a more commercial level talk about a very difficult topic is important.”

Her commitment to authenticity shines in her portrayal of Millie Calloway in The Housemaid, a film adapted from Freida McFadden’s bestselling 2022 novel. Sweeney, a longtime fan of the book, says she loved the “complex, juicy, crazy, twisted stories” and considers the role a dream project.

Co-Stars and On-Screen Dynamics

The film stars Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar alongside Sweeney. Seyfried plays Nina Winchester, a housewife grappling with complex mental health issues, while Sklenar portrays Andrew Winchester. Sweeney and Seyfried were cast partly due to their physical resemblance, but the pair have developed a working dynamic that allows them to explore the psychological depth of their characters.

Seyfried commented on their collaboration, noting the “uncanny similarity” and shared ideals about the craft, which enhances their on-screen chemistry. This dynamic enables both actors to delve into the emotional intensity and psychological nuances of the story.

Handling Sensitive Topics in Film

Director Paul Feig has been careful to approach the story’s subject matter with sensitivity. He focused on portraying psychological abuse rather than physical abuse, ensuring the film raises awareness without gratuitous violence.

The movie has been compared to 1990s domestic thrillers like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Fatal Attraction, and Basic Instinct, but with a modern twist reflecting contemporary discussions about mental health and domestic abuse.

Feig said the adaptation retains key elements of the novel, while also including an extra ending not found in the book, giving fans something new and unexpected.

Positive Reception and Box Office Success

The Housemaid has received positive reviews, with The Guardian awarding four stars and praising the cast for delivering “terrific gusto.” The film opened to $19 million (£14 million) in North America, reflecting strong audience interest, particularly given the original novel’s global success with over 1.6 million copies sold.

Sweeney’s performance and choice of challenging projects come after a turbulent year. She faced criticism over an American Eagle jeans campaign that sparked debates about race and beauty standards, and her career has weathered a series of box office flops.

Future Projects and Advocacy

Sweeney hopes to continue taking on roles that are socially meaningful, using her platform to raise awareness of domestic violence and mental health issues. She sees storytelling as a way to educate audiences and inspire change, blending commercial cinema with socially conscious narratives.

Director Paul Feig also highlighted the value of novels as a source for films, noting that books with a dedicated fanbase can guide studios in investing significant resources while ensuring the story resonates with audiences.

The Housemaid is now showing in UK cinemas and represents a blend of thriller entertainment and impactful social commentary, reflecting Sydney Sweeney’s commitment to meaningful storytelling.