Sydney Sweeney has earned a wave of critical acclaim for her latest role, marking a dramatic career upswing just weeks after one of her films suffered a significant box office failure. The actress stars alongside Amanda Seyfried in the new psychological thriller 'The Housemaid', which is set for release in the UK on December 22.
A Swift Rebound from Box Office Disappointment
This positive reception arrives hot on the heels of the commercial disappointment of 'Christy', a biopic in which Sweeney played professional boxer Christy Martin. That film, made on a budget of $15 million, tanked during its opening weekend, grossing a meagre $1.3 million in the US and Canada. Its total opening was just $2 million, ranking it among the top 12 worst openings for a new release on over 2,000 screens.
Last week, Sweeney passionately defended 'Christy' on Instagram after it failed to secure any nominations for the 2026 Golden Globes. She described it as "the most important film I've ever made," emphasising its focus on domestic abuse survival. Despite her advocacy, the film's financial performance was a stark setback.
'The Housemaid' Garners Glowing Reviews
Adapted from Freida McFadden's 2022 bestseller, 'The Housemaid' sees Sweeney take on the role of Millie Calloway, a housemaid who accepts a live-in position with a wealthy woman, played by Seyfried, and becomes entangled in the family's dark secrets. Directed by Paul Feig, with Sweeney also serving as an executive producer, the film is being hailed as a stylish homage to 1990s female-led thrillers.
Critics have been overwhelmingly positive. Tim Robey of The Telegraph, in a four-star review, noted that Sweeney is "extremely watchable in trash" and "acquits herself with growing aplomb here." Mark Kennedy for AP called the movie "delicious," declaring it a holiday season gift: "A twisty, psychological horror-thriller with nudity that’s all wrapped up in an empowerment message."
While Sweeney's performance is praised, many reviewers have singled out Amanda Seyfried's turn. USA Today's Brian Truitt declared she is "a force of nature throughout," and Pete Hammond for Deadline said Seyfried was "a real hoot getting to chew the pretty scenery." Owen Gleiberman for Variety summed up the film's appeal, writing it is "the kind of stylishly tricky high-trash movie that can steal some of the limelight" during awards season.
Navigating Personal and Professional Controversies
The critical success of 'The Housemaid' provides a welcome narrative shift for Sweeney, whose career has recently been clouded by controversy. The 28-year-old actress has found herself at the centre of debates sparked by her perceived MAGA political leanings, her relationship with divisive music executive Scooter Braun, and a controversial American Eagle advertising campaign.
The denim ad, titled 'Sydney Sweeney has Great Jeans', was interpreted by some as a play on 'genes' and a hint at genetic superiority. Sweeney addressed the backlash, telling People magazine: "I was honestly surprised by the reaction... I don't support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren't true."
With 'The Housemaid', however, the focus has firmly returned to her work on screen. The film's strong reviews suggest a resilient career trajectory for Sweeney, proving that in Hollywood, critical acclaim can swiftly follow commercial disappointment.
