The Housemaid movie rating continues to draw attention from film lovers across the United States, especially among fans of psychological thrillers and international cinema. Both the 2010 South Korean version and the 2021 Vietnamese-Filipino adaptation have become cult favorites on streaming platforms, each offering a different take on love, class, and revenge — but with distinct tones and ratings that reflect their unique styles.
Over the years, these two films titled The Housemaid have generated steady interest due to their gripping storytelling and striking performances. With verified ratings available from major review platforms, it’s clear why audiences continue to seek out these haunting tales of desire and destruction.
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Overview of The Housemaid (2010): A South Korean Masterpiece
The 2010 South Korean version of The Housemaid is a psychological thriller directed by Im Sang-soo, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Jeon Do-yeon, Lee Jung-jae, Seo Woo, and Yoon Yeo-jeong. The film is a modern reimagining of the 1960 classic of the same name by Kim Ki-young, often regarded as one of Korea’s most influential cinematic works.
Released on May 13, 2010, in South Korea, the movie tells the story of Eun-yi, a housemaid who becomes entangled in a dangerous affair with a wealthy husband, leading to jealousy, manipulation, and tragedy inside an opulent mansion.
The Housemaid (2010) Rating and Reviews
The Housemaid movie rating for the 2010 version reflects strong critical appreciation.
Here’s a quick breakdown of its official ratings:
| Platform | Rating | Audience Type |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb | 6.4 / 10 | Viewer-based average |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 66% | Certified Fresh |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 60% | Mixed to positive |
| Metacritic | 67 / 100 | Generally favorable reviews |
The film is unrated in the U.S. but contains R-rated material, including strong sexual content, partial nudity, violence, and emotional intensity. Most distributors list it as “Not Rated,” though its content clearly aligns with mature audiences.
Critics praised its sharp direction, minimalist cinematography, and biting social commentary. The Hollywood Reporter described it as “a darkly elegant moral thriller that captures the quiet cruelty of privilege.”
Themes and Tone of the 2010 Version
Im Sang-soo’s The Housemaid uses sensuality and power dynamics to explore class inequality. The story unfolds inside a luxurious home where wealth disguises emotional decay. Eun-yi’s journey from domestic worker to doomed lover mirrors the exploitation faced by many in hierarchical societies.
The film’s tone alternates between quiet tension and shocking violence. Its slow-burn storytelling rewards patient viewers who appreciate psychological complexity over jump scares or traditional horror elements.
The Cast’s Standout Performances
- Jeon Do-yeon (Eun-yi): Her portrayal of the fragile yet resilient housemaid earned critical acclaim worldwide.
- Lee Jung-jae (Hoon): The charming yet predatory master of the house, delivering one of his most unsettling performances.
- Seo Woo (Hae-ra): As the wife, she embodies both luxury and cruelty.
- Yoon Yeo-jeong (Byeong-sik): The veteran actress adds gravity as the long-serving senior maid who understands the household’s dark secrets.
Jeon Do-yeon’s performance was especially noted for its raw emotion, earning her nominations at the Cannes Film Festival and Asian Film Awards.
Awards and Recognition
The 2010 Housemaid received multiple nominations across Asia and Europe. Notable achievements include:
- Cannes Film Festival (2010): Official competition entry.
- Blue Dragon Awards (2010): Nominated for Best Actress and Best Director.
- Asia Pacific Screen Awards: Nominated for Achievement in Directing.
Its global critical success contributed to renewed international interest in Korean thrillers, paving the way for later hits such as Parasite (2019) and Decision to Leave (2022).
The Housemaid (2021): A Modern Horror Reimagining
The 2021 version of The Housemaid is a Vietnamese-Filipino supernatural horror film directed by Derek Nguyen. Unlike the 2010 version, this adaptation leans more toward gothic suspense and supernatural elements.
The movie stars Kate Nhung, Jean-Michel Richaud, Kim Xuan, and Nhung Kate, and was produced by CJ Entertainment, the same South Korean company behind Parasite and Train to Busan.
The story follows Linh, a young servant who works in a French colonial mansion during the 1950s. When she falls in love with the widowed owner, dark secrets and ghostly hauntings begin to unravel.
The Housemaid (2021) Rating and Critical Reception
Here’s the verified Housemaid movie rating information for the 2021 film:
| Platform | Rating | Audience Type |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb | 5.6 / 10 | Viewer-based rating |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 54% | Mixed reception |
| Letterboxd | 2.9 / 5 | Moderate viewer approval |
| Official Rating (MPAA) | R | For violence, sexual content, and disturbing imagery |
While critics found the film uneven, they praised its gothic atmosphere, detailed production design, and strong performances from the Vietnamese cast.
U.S. audiences discovered the movie primarily through Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, where it remains available under its English title. Its R rating aligns with its mature themes of death, revenge, and forbidden love.
Storytelling Differences Between the Two Films
Although both movies share the same title, their tones and messages differ significantly:
| Feature | 2010 South Korean Version | 2021 Vietnamese-Filipino Version |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Psychological thriller | Supernatural horror |
| Director | Im Sang-soo | Derek Nguyen |
| Setting | Modern South Korea | 1950s Vietnam |
| Main Theme | Class and power | Guilt, grief, and vengeance |
| Rating | Not Rated (Adult Content) | R |
The Korean version focuses on class warfare and personal corruption, while the Vietnamese adaptation leans toward traditional ghost-story tropes. Both films, however, feature a central female servant whose emotional unraveling drives the story.
U.S. Streaming Availability
As of December 2025, both Housemaid films are accessible for U.S. audiences through mainstream streaming platforms:
- 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 available digitally on Amazon Prime Video with an English subtitle option.
Both versions maintain consistent popularity among international film enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to psychological thrillers and foreign-language cinema.
Why Viewers Still Talk About The Housemaid
The sustained interest in The Housemaid stems from its combination of psychological depth, visual elegance, and universal themes of power imbalance. Both films tackle the fragility of morality within systems of privilege, though each does so through its country’s cultural lens.
The Korean version stands out for its emotional realism, while the Vietnamese adaptation captivates fans of gothic horror with its moody atmosphere and tragic romance.
The Housemaid movie rating for each version reflects these tonal differences — one respected for its artistry and nuance, the other appreciated for its haunting suspense.
Audience Reception in the United States
U.S. audiences have embraced both adaptations, particularly after the rise of international thrillers on streaming platforms. Online discussions often highlight the Korean version’s influence on modern cinematic storytelling, noting its similarities to acclaimed films like Parasite.
Film forums and critic panels frequently recommend The Housemaid (2010) for viewers seeking slow-burning psychological tension, while The Housemaid (2021) appeals more to horror enthusiasts who enjoy period settings and supernatural twists.
The dual existence of these films under the same title adds intrigue, prompting new viewers to explore both and compare their contrasting approaches.
Ratings in Context: How They Shape Perception
Movie ratings not only inform audiences about content but also shape how films are received. In this case:
- The 2010 film’s unofficial R-level intensity signals mature themes and complex emotional narratives, appealing to adult audiences seeking substance over shock value.
- The 2021 version’s official R rating prepares viewers for explicit visuals and darker storytelling consistent with modern horror trends.
Both versions use their ratings as creative boundaries rather than limitations, proving that mature content can be used purposefully to enhance emotional realism.
The Enduring Legacy of The Housemaid
Fifteen years after its release, the 2010 Housemaid remains a touchstone in Korean cinema, studied in film schools for its commentary on class and gender. Meanwhile, the 2021 Housemaid stands as a modern reinterpretation of the same archetype — a woman trapped by power and passion in an oppressive world.
Their lasting influence proves that the title The Housemaid has transcended language and geography, becoming synonymous with moral tension and atmospheric storytelling.
The Housemaid movie rating reflects how two different visions — one psychological and one supernatural — continue to captivate U.S. audiences with their mature themes and unforgettable performances. Whether you prefer gripping realism or ghostly suspense, both films offer a cinematic experience worth watching and discussing.
Have you watched either version of The Housemaid? Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which one left a stronger impression on you.
