Northern New Jersey had recently found itself in the Hollywood spotlight as the highly anticipated psychological thriller The Housemaid was filmed extensively across the state. Starring actress Sydney Sweeney- best known for her breakout role as Cassie in the HBO show Euphoria and Amanda Seyfried – widely recognized as Karen Smith from the cult classic Mean Girls, the movie transformed our quiet neighborhoods into major film locations.
Much of the production centered around a historic mansion in Madison, where the movie’s eerie atmosphere comes to life. Built in 1909, the estate’s castle-like exterior and secluded grounds made it the perfect location for the thriller’s tense and mysterious storyline. Additional scenes were filmed in our very own Morris County, including locations in Morristown and Ridgewood, drawing attention from residents who stopped film crews and actors around town. For Morris Hills teacher Mr. Feakins, the experience felt especially close to home. He said that even though the story is set in Long Island, the “Jersey feel was unmistakable,” adding that spotting “Route 3 signs in the background was cool.”
Based on the bestselling novel by Freida McFadden, The Housemaid follows Millie Calloway, a young woman attempting to rebuild her life by taking a job as a live-in maid for a wealthy family. What begins as a fresh start quickly turns into a dangerous game of secrets and manipulation. The film is directed by Paul Feig, also known for directing Bridesmaids, Ghostbusters (2016), and Spy.
This movie hits especially close to home for our Morris Hills community. One of the film’s main characters, Andrew Winchester, is played by Brandon Sklenar, the son of Mr. Feakins. Mr. Feakins shared that Brandon has visited Morris Hills on two occasions in the past and spoke to drama club students about “chasing your passion.” He said he believes stories like Brandon’s can build student confidence, but also emphasized that goals should be realistic: “Goals need to be aligned with some inherent skill set or demonstrated ability.” In other words, inspiration matters, but so does understanding your strengths and putting in the work.
Seeing a familiar name associated with a major Hollywood project has sparked excitement and pride throughout the school.
The Housemaid premiered in New York City on December 2 and was released nationwide on December 19, earning strong reviews and significant box office success. As audiences watch the suspense unfold on screen, many New Jersey residents may recognize the familiar streets, buildings, and landscapes that helped bring the story to life.