The Housemaid movie rating has been a topic of renewed interest among U.S. viewers as both versions of the film continue to stream on popular platforms. Whether you’re drawn to the psychological tension of the 2010 South Korean drama or the haunting atmosphere of the 2021 Vietnamese-Filipino horror remake, both adaptations stand as compelling examples of global cinema at its finest.
Each version of The Housemaid explores class, power, and human vulnerability, but they do so through different genres and cultural lenses. Understanding the movie’s ratings and reception helps audiences appreciate why these two films have left such a lasting impression.
The 2010 South Korean Version: A Modern Classic
Directed by Im Sang-soo, the 2010 South Korean adaptation of The Housemaid reimagines the 1960 original by Kim Ki-young, one of Korea’s most influential filmmakers. Released on May 13, 2010, the movie centers on Eun-yi, a housemaid employed by a wealthy family whose seemingly perfect world hides layers of manipulation, betrayal, and cruelty.
This version is often classified as a psychological thriller rather than traditional horror. Its restrained style, combined with shocking moments of moral decay, makes it one of South Korea’s most acclaimed domestic dramas of the 21st century.
The Housemaid (2010) Movie Rating
The Housemaid movie rating for the 2010 version reflects its mature themes and artistic execution. Though the film was released in the U.S. without an official MPAA label, it is unrated but carries an equivalent to an R rating for adult content, nudity, and violence.
Here’s a look at how it performed across review platforms:
| Platform | Rating | Audience Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb | 6.4 / 10 | Generally positive |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 66% | Certified Fresh |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 60% | Mixed-to-positive |
| Metacritic | 67 / 100 | Favorable reviews |
These ratings place the film in the category of critical success, particularly for its cinematography, performances, and thematic depth. It’s often described as “quietly shocking,” blending beauty and brutality in equal measure.
The Story and Themes
The plot of the 2010 Housemaid follows Eun-yi (Jeon Do-yeon), a middle-aged woman who begins working as a domestic helper for a wealthy couple, Hoon (Lee Jung-jae) and Hae-ra (Seo Woo). What begins as a respectful employment quickly spirals into an affair, betrayal, and eventual tragedy.
The film is not simply about scandal — it’s about power imbalance, class struggle, and the corruption of privilege. Im Sang-soo’s direction places the audience inside a world of immaculate beauty that hides emotional emptiness.
Jeon Do-yeon’s performance earned universal acclaim, as she delivered a haunting portrayal of a woman caught between compassion and survival.
Critical Reception and Awards
Upon release, the film was selected to compete at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, earning widespread praise for its elegance and tension. Critics admired its slow-building suspense and ability to explore social hierarchy through personal tragedy.
It went on to receive numerous nominations, including:
- Best Director at the Blue Dragon Film Awards
- Best Actress at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards
- Official Cannes Selection 2010
The film’s artistry and mature storytelling helped elevate Korean cinema’s global reputation, paving the way for international hits like Parasite and Decision to Leave.
Why It Still Resonates with Audiences
More than a decade later, The Housemaid (2010) continues to attract new viewers on streaming platforms. Its relevance lies in how it portrays wealth’s isolation and the consequences of unchecked privilege.
The camera work uses stillness and silence to convey unease. The minimalist soundtrack and carefully composed shots make every moment feel deliberate. It’s not just a story of moral downfall — it’s a critique of a society built on appearances.
For viewers in the United States, the movie offers a rare blend of art-house sophistication and thriller intensity, appealing to fans of both drama and suspense.
The 2021 Vietnamese-Filipino Adaptation: Gothic Horror with a Twist
The second film titled The Housemaid arrived in 2021, directed by Derek Nguyen. While sharing the same English title, this version takes a completely different approach — turning the concept into a supernatural gothic horror story.
Set in 1950s colonial Vietnam, the film follows Linh (Nhung Kate), a young servant working at a French plantation mansion. After falling in love with the widowed master, she uncovers terrifying secrets about the estate and its dark past.
This adaptation blends romance, revenge, and the supernatural, giving audiences a chilling new perspective on servitude and guilt.
The Housemaid (2021) Movie Rating
Unlike its Korean predecessor, the 2021 Housemaid was officially rated by the Motion Picture Association. It holds a firm R rating for violence, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.
Here’s a breakdown of its ratings:
| Platform | Rating | Viewer Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb | 5.6 / 10 | Mixed reviews |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 54% | Average audience score |
| Letterboxd | 2.9 / 5 | Moderate viewer approval |
The film’s visuals, production design, and haunting score earned praise, even as opinions on pacing and storytelling were more divided.
Tone and Style
The 2021 version relies heavily on atmosphere. Derek Nguyen’s direction uses candlelight, fog, and gothic interiors to build tension. The cinematography emphasizes decay and isolation, echoing the inner turmoil of its protagonist.
While some viewers approach it as a ghost story, others interpret it as a metaphor for colonial oppression and repressed grief. Either way, its mix of historical drama and horror elements gives it a unique identity within Southeast Asian cinema.
Cast and Performances
The cast of the 2021 version delivered emotionally charged performances that elevated the horror narrative beyond typical genre conventions.
- Nhung Kate (Linh): Poignant and vulnerable, she anchors the story with sincerity and intensity.
- Jean-Michel Richaud (Sebastien Laurent): The plantation owner whose secrets unravel as the story progresses.
- Kim Xuan: Plays a key supporting role, adding emotional weight and mystery.
Their chemistry and grounded performances help humanize a story steeped in tragedy and supernatural fear.
Global Reach and Streaming Availability
Both versions of The Housemaid have gained new life through streaming platforms in the United States.
- The Housemaid (2010): Available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu.
- The Housemaid (2021): Streaming on Netflix U.S. and Amazon Prime Video under the title The Housemaid / Cô Hầu Gái.
These digital releases have introduced new audiences to international storytelling styles — one psychological, the other paranormal.
Comparing the Two Films
Though both share a title, their genres and goals differ dramatically. The table below highlights key contrasts:
| Feature | 2010 South Korean Version | 2021 Vietnamese-Filipino Version |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Psychological Thriller | Supernatural Horror |
| Setting | Modern South Korea | 1950s Colonial Vietnam |
| Rating | Unrated (Adult Content) | R (Violence & Sexuality) |
| Focus | Power, Class, Morality | Ghosts, Guilt, Revenge |
| Tone | Realistic and Tragic | Mystical and Atmospheric |
The 2010 film thrives on realism and societal critique, while the 2021 adaptation leans into gothic terror and emotional catharsis.
Audience Reaction in the U.S.
U.S. audiences have embraced both films for different reasons. Fans of art-house cinema tend to prefer the Korean version for its precision and emotional depth. Horror enthusiasts gravitate toward the Vietnamese version for its dark romance and ghostly imagery.
Online film communities on Reddit and Letterboxd frequently recommend both versions as examples of how the same premise can be interpreted through different cultural contexts.
While the 2010 film earned higher critical praise, the 2021 adaptation found a loyal following among fans of Asian horror, especially those who appreciate period settings and folklore-driven suspense.
Why Both Films Stand Out
Both iterations of The Housemaid share a central theme — the vulnerability of those who serve others — but express it through entirely different storytelling devices.
- The 2010 version explores emotional manipulation and the price of ambition within modern class systems.
- The 2021 version transforms this concept into a ghost story about memory, love, and retribution.
Their continued popularity proves that audiences value more than just jump scares or drama — they crave stories that challenge morality and provoke emotion.
The Cultural Significance of The Housemaid
Each version of The Housemaid also holds cultural significance beyond entertainment. The Korean film highlights issues of inequality and gender within rapidly modernizing societies. The Vietnamese version delves into colonial trauma and spiritual reckoning.
Both films remind viewers that horror and tragedy often serve as reflections of real-world social tension. Their ratings, critical success, and continued relevance show that great cinema can transcend language barriers when it explores universal human fears.
The Housemaid movie rating reveals two vastly different yet equally compelling works — one an elegant study of class and desire, the other a haunting tale of guilt and ghosts. Together, they demonstrate how storytelling, no matter the country or genre, can speak to audiences around the world.
Which version of The Housemaid did you find more powerful — the 2010 psychological drama or the 2021 gothic horror? Share your thoughts in the comments below.