Sean Sime / Briana RengifoSave this storySave this story
Behind the doors of an unassuming winter vestibule, a thriller-obsessed audience gathered at the Metrograph theater in New York City’s Lower East Side. Outside, temperatures were in the 30s; inside, the crowd’s white-hot anticipation surged. On Wednesday, December 3, Allure and Lionsgate invited more than 150 people for an exclusive screening of The Housemaid, the film adaptation of Freida McFadden’s runaway hit novel, ahead of its theatrical release on December 19.
The stars of the movie, Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney, pose together at Allure’s The Housemaid screening in New York City.
Photo: Sean Sime
The film, starring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney, and directed by Paul Feig (of A Simple Favor and Bridesmaids fame), follows down-on-her-luck Millie (Sweeney), who seizes an opportunity for employment as the live-in help for an affluent family: Nina (Seyfried) and Adam Winchester (Brendan Sklenar) and their daughter, Cecelia. Millie soon finds that unimaginable secrets percolate at the Winchester estate—locked away behind a luxurious W-monogrammed gate.
While champing at the bit to view the film, the crowd chomped on an array of hors d’oeuvres—ricotta crostinis, beef skewers, a seemingly endless supply of French fries, and chicken parmesan sliders—and snapped photos in front of the Allure x Lionsgate-branded step and repeat banner to blast on social channels. This is, after all, #BookTok’s most-anticipated film adaptation of the year.
Themed drinks sloshed in free hands: the Nina, featuring jalapeño- and cilantro-infused tequila, and the Millie, the fashionable older cousin of a vodka soda, elevated by strawberry, elderflower, and lime. Most vital, though, was the snack wall, with an assortment of popcorn, classic movie theater candies, and nonalcoholic beverages. For those with the most exquisite and refined palates, certain candies, like Reese’s Pieces, were available chilled. (For me, this was the night’s greatest thrill!)
Guests enjoyed signature cocktails inspired by the two main characters in The Housemaid: “The Nina” and “The Millie.”
Photo: Sean Sime
As coupe glasses were drained, the audience funneled into the theater, where they were greeted by Allure’s associate beauty director, Sarah Kinonen, who introduced Feig, producers Todd Lieberman and Carly Kleinbart Elter from Hidden Pictures, Laura Fischer from Feigco Entertainment, Seyfried, Sweeney, and Michele Morrone, who plays Enzo. Notably missing from the event, though, was McFadden, who Lieberman described as “press shy.” (For anyone not in the know, myself included until shortly after the screening, McFadden is the author’s pseudonym. And in addition to being a best-selling author, she is also a Harvard-educated doctor, specializing in the treatment of brain disorders. For some, God giveth with two hands!)
Allure’s Associate Beauty Director, Sarah Kinonen, moderated a pre-screening panel with the movie’s director, Paul Feig.
Photo: Sean Sime
Standing in front of the screen, which read in bold letters, “Please Do Not Reveal Any Spoilers,” Sweeney, wearing a burgundy off-the-shoulder sweater and sporting loose, honey-blonde curls, spoke about Metrograph’s cool factor, which is high praise coming from a Euphoria alum.
Feig then shared his excitement about returning to theatrical releases: “My last few movies have been with [streaming services], and it’s just not fun to make [a movie] that nobody gets to see together,” sparking the ubiquitous debate about movie theater versus at-home viewing. “This is not a church, so you don’t have to watch this in silence,” Feig said. “[The movie] is dark, it’s got some crazy stuff…but at the same time, it’s also supposed to be kind of fun.” The entire cast joined in goading the audience to share their enthusiasm freely and loudly. Liebermann asked who in the audience had read the book. “You all are in for a wild ride,” he said. “And those of you who have not, you’re in for a wild ride, too.”
A guest shows off The Housemaid–themed popcorn and movie-night candy favorites—part of the refreshments curated for Allure’s intimate screening.
Photo: Sean Sime
And react the audience did. While you, dear reader, will receive nary a crumb of intel regarding the kooky twists and turns that spurred audience reactions, they went as follows: “Uh oh,” was yelped over tossed popcorn. “Oh, hell no,” was said, while squinting between fingers. And “Oop,” followed each gasp at every bombshell plot twist.
Reactions persisted in increasing intensity as we realized throughout the film’s two hours and 11 minutes that movie-watching is a group activity. As the credits rolled, the audience departed to their Ubers, likely reflecting on the night's greatest lessons: All movies should begin with light appetizers, greetings from the cast, and a free-for-the-taking assortment of treats.
Guests mingle and sip signature cocktails at the Allure x The Housemaid screening reception before heading into the theater.
Photo: Sean Sime
Of course, I said I won’t divulge any secrets, but I can confirm the film does deliver on its claims—it’s entertaining, sexy, and thrills absolutely abound. However, I’d be remiss not to send out a call to action for any eagle-eyed, beauty-obsessed filmgoers. There’s one thing that’s stuck with me post-screening: Can anyone confirm if Sweeney’s character, Millie, uses Redken or Kérastase shampoo? My DMs are open.
A screen at New York’s Metrograph theater displays the title card for The Housemaid before guests take their seats.
Photo: Sean Sime
