The Housemaid

The Housemaid, a movie from 2016, is a romance horror thriller directed by Derek Nguyen, with starring roles by Nhung Kate, Jean-Michel Richaud, and Kim Xuan.

The narrative unfolds in a bygone era, specifically in 1953 French Indochina, as Vietnam was then known. It gracefully straddles the boundaries of multiple genres, expertly blending elements of romance, horror and drama into its narrative. The film is primarily in the Vietnamese language, with moments of French dialogue, adding to the authenticity and historical accuracy of its setting.

The movie presents audiences with Linh (played by Nhung Kate), a demure and innocent young woman grappling with the turmoil of her war-torn country while tending to her personal suffering and loss caused by the devastating conflict. She is compelled to seek employment, which leads her to a job as a housemaid at a secluded rubber plantation.

The plantation is a brooding and atmospheric mansion, lavishly rich in Southern Gothic flavors. It is owned by the enigmatic and alluring French officer Sebastien Laurent (portrayed by Jean-Michel Richaud), who is not without his own repository of secrets and sorrows. The house itself becomes an indispensable character in the movie, brimming with an eerie charm that encapsulates its dark history and the tragedy that has befallen its past occupants.

Kim Xuan plays Mrs. Han, the senior housemaid at the plantation. She is a traditional figure who becomes Linh's guide in navigating her new life. Yet, she seems to be privy to the estate's somber past and carries an air of caution and mystery around her.

Once Linh starts working in the mansion, strange occurrences and spectral sightings plague her peace. These incidents serve as a chilling backdrop to a budding and forbidden romance between Linh and her master, Sebastien. This burgeoning attraction complicates Linh's life even more, as she's torn between her loyalty to the memory of her deceased family and her feelings for Sebastien.

The film converges the themes of class structure, colonialism, and supernatural horror. Strongly embedded in its narrative is an exploration of the power dynamics and exploitation prevalent during the colonial era. The divide between the oppressor and the oppressed is meticulously depicted through the inhabitants of the old plantation and their intricate interactions.

Furthermore, the movie hosts a myriad of supernatural elements that follow traditional Asian horror approaches. The characters are frequently haunted by disquieting apparitions. Each spectral figure holds a ghastly mirror to the guilt, sins, or fear of the living, further enriching the sorrowful undertones of the storyline.

The Housemaid deeply oscillates between horror and romance, testing the resolve of the characters as they navigate feelings of passion, guilt, terror, and regret. The narrative is further emphasized by stunning visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack, which contribute to the creation of a world full of lush landscapes, dark halls, and shadowy corners where dread or desire might lurk.

Nhung Kate, Jean-Michel Richaud, and Kim Xuan deliver compelling performances, infusing their characters with much-needed depth and complexity. Nhung Kate's representation of Linh, inj particular, is layered and leaves a lasting impression. She has to portray naivety, fear, attraction, and determination, often simultaneously, and she indeed does an excellent job.

The Housemaid is a daring exploration of a disturbing period in history, and a compelling tale of forbidden love wrapped around a narrative that seamlessly stitches together the genres of romantic drama and horror. Its story is intensely character-driven, and its atmosphere vividly created, engaging viewers in a haunting, cinematic experience that lingers far beyond the credits.