Tuesday, January 27, 2026-Director Paul Feig has stunned audiences and critics alike with The Housemaid, his bold leap into the psychological thriller genre that has become one of his most successful films to date. Feig openly credits legendary suspense master Alfred Hitchcock as a key influence on the project, drawing from Hitchcock’s ability to balance tension with unexpected moments of dark humour and stylistic flair.
Rather than merely copying classic thriller formulas, Feig says he wanted to capture that sense of controlled absurdity treating the story seriously while still keeping viewers engaged with the unexpected.
Rather than meticulously planning every shot like Hitchcock, Feig described his own creative process as more fluid and open to collaboration on set. He explained that while Hitchcock perfectly storyboarded every frame to shape the audience’s experience, Feig prefers to adapt and incorporate ideas that emerge during filming, believing this flexibility enhances performance and atmosphere. Feig also relies heavily on test screenings even using night vision techniques to observe how viewers react as a way to fine‑tune pacing and tension before final editing.
The risk has paid off: The Housemaid has become an unexpected box‑office hit and a milestone in Feig’s career, blending classic suspense sensibilities with contemporary storytelling. The film’s success has sparked plans for a sequel, with Feig set to return behind the camera and the central cast reprising their roles. This fresh direction highlights how a director known for comedy can successfully channel the craftsmanship of genre icons while still making something distinctly modern.
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