The Housemaid Film Changes the Book’s Ending: What’s Different

How the movie’s darker finale reshapes the story for audiences

The film adaptation of The Housemaid makes several notable changes to the novel’s ending, and early audience response suggests viewers have largely accepted the shift. Released on December 19, 2025, the Lionsgate film has drawn positive reactions from both readers of the book and first-time viewers.

Starring Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway and Amanda Seyfried as Nina Winchester, the movie remains faithful to the novel’s central reveal while reworking key moments in the final act. Brandon Sklenar plays Andrew Winchester, whose role as the true antagonist remains intact in both versions.

The story follows Millie, a young woman recently released from prison, who takes a live-in housemaid job at the Winchester estate. Nina, the family’s matriarch, appears volatile and controlling, while Andrew initially presents himself as calm and supportive. As the plot unfolds, the film confirms that Andrew, not Nina, is responsible for the abuse and manipulation within the household.

While the core twist remains unchanged, the movie alters how events play out on screen. The film presents Millie’s punishment at Andrew’s hands in a more graphic and direct way than the book, shifting the tone of the confrontation. Millie’s retaliation is also faster and more forceful, reducing the drawn-out tension found in the novel.

#TheHousemaid screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine teases the creative changes that will keep fans of the book on their feet : “It’s really exciting” pic.twitter.com/detfD6F8pc

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) December 16, 2025

Another major change comes with Andrew’s death. In the book, his fate unfolds largely off the page. In the film, the confrontation is direct and public, involving both Millie and Nina. This approach gives Nina a more active role in the resolution and provides a clearer sense of closure.

The adaptation also reduces the role of Enzo, the gardener, who plays a larger part in the novel. In the film, the focus stays tightly on the central trio. At the same time, Andrew’s mother, Evelyn, is given greater prominence. Her influence is reinforced through flashbacks and symbolic elements, including a recurring china set that becomes central to the film’s final moments.

The movie’s ending takes a darker and more confrontational approach than the book. That decision appears to have resonated with audiences, who have responded positively to the stronger sense of agency given to both Millie and Nina. For many viewers, the changes offer a more decisive and emotionally complete conclusion.