Thriller
The Housekeeper : Review 2023
The Housekeeper is a new campy thriller on Tubi that leans into kitsch and intentional comedy. With familiar plot twists and over-the-top performances, it’s a cheeky homage to B-movies that provides amusingly entertaining thrills.
Overview of Plot and Tone
The story follows a young housekeeper named Kit who takes a job working for a wealthy political family, the Ashes. Things seem normal at first, but it doesn’t take long for Kit to realize this family is hiding deadly secrets. As she tries to uncover the truth, she has to avoid meeting the same mysterious fate as the previous housekeeper.
The plot moves quickly through absurd twists and turns, borrowing heavily from horror movie tropes. The mysterious disappearances, dark family secrets, and shadowy figures in the background all create a campy Thriller atmosphere.
But the tone remains playful rather than serious. The performances are exaggerated for comedic effect, with dramatic music swelling at ridiculous moments. There are even some unexpected moments of physical comedy and one-liners interspersed.
It becomes clear that The Housekeeper is in on the joke. With its brisk pace and winking style, the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously. Instead, it delivers an amusing thrill ride that parodyscinematic cliches. Fans of deliberately bad movies will recognize the kitschy DNA.
Denise Richards’ Over-the-Top Role
One of the most entertaining performances comes from Denise Richards as the matriarch of the Ash family, Kit Ash. Richards leans heavily into the camp sensibility with an absurdly exaggerated portrayal of a politician’s wife.
Kit Ash is deeply image-conscious, dramatic,and passive aggressive. Richards hams it up with affected mannerisms and telenovela-style reactions. Her wicked stares and smug smiles make it clear she’s relishing playing the villain.
In one particularly funny scene, Mrs. Ash records an over-the-top commercial for the family’s vague non-profit foundation. Her canned lines and fake smiles embody the tone of the movie perfectly.
Richards is clearly having a blast sending up the Real Housewives-style caricature. Her commitment to the outsized role adds to the comedy and camp.
Borrowing Horror Tropes with a Twist
The central mystery plot will feel familiar to horror fans, as it borrows heavily from genre conventions. There’s the classic creepy old mansion setting, suspicious disappearances, secret passageways, and buried family secrets.
Certain scares and plot twists will ring bells for horror buffs. But The Housekeeper puts a comedic spin on the familiar formulas. Just when things seem headed for a dark turn, the tension diffuses into slapstick humor.
While it never becomes a full-on horror-comedy, the movie has fun teasing and subverting genre expectations. For audiences, half the entertainment comes from recognizing how the story winks at horror movie tropes before veering into silliness.
Capturing a B-Movie Aesthetic
The low-budget production quality adds to The Housekeeper’s overall campy vibe. Filmed quickly in Youngstown, Ohio, the movie makes no attempts to hide its modest resources.
The small cast and limited locations give it the feel of a stage play production. Stylistic choices like heavy exposition, melodramatic music cues, and stagy acting lean into that community theater aesthetic.
While more polished production could have elevated the story, the low-fi execution compounds the playful B-movie effect. It becomes another meta element winking at the audience in on the joke.
For fans of deliberate schlock, the budget constraints end up working in The Housekeeper’s favor. It nails the enjoyably bad movie experience.
Reviews: A Cheeky Thrill Ride for Kitsch Fans
The Housekeeper seems designed specifically to appeal to lovers of “so bad they’re good” movies. Early reviews have focused on how the campiness and cliches come together to provide intentionally amusing thrills.
As one review put it, “The cheese factor helps elevate The Housekeeper into an entertainingly bad movie for fans of kitsch.” Rather than failing as a serious thriller, it succeeds precisely because it’s silly popcorn entertainment.
Other reviews call out the playful spirit, with one stating, “The absurd plot twists and hammy acting make it clear The Housekeeper is in on the joke.” While it likely won’t appeal to viewers seeking a genuinely chilling thriller, it delivers exactly what it promises for its niche.
For audiences seeking a fun parody of Thriller cliches carried by an exaggerated camp sensibility, The Housekeeper hits the mark. As long as viewers come for kitsch thrills rather than serious scares, they’ll get a kick out of the cheeky ride.
Is There a Trailer for The Housekeeper?
Director Shows Promise for More Horror-Comedy
While The Housekeeper has its flaws, director Stuart Altman demonstrates potential for stronger work, especially in horror-comedy. Altman directed and wrote the screenplay for this thriller parody.
With more resources and a better developed script, Altman could likely produce an even sharper satire. He exhibits a talent for wringing comedy out of tired genres like campy Thrillers.
The Housekeeper feels like Altman testing those skills on a small scale. Given the chance to refine them in a feature with higher production value, he could create something that fully delivers on this film’s potential.
Altman clearly has affection for schlocky horror and B-movies. With support from a studio, he may break out with a horror-comedy that could become a cult classic rather than just a fun oddity. For now, The Housekeeper provides hints of his comedic sensibility.
Conclusion: A Night of Kitschy Entertainment
At just around 90 minutes, The Housekeeper makes for a breezy night of kitschy entertainment. While far from a groundbreaking work of cinema, it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do.
For viewers in the mood for campy thrills carried by intentionally exaggerated performances, it hits all the right notes. The rapid twists and winking tone create a carefree experience for fans of so-bad-they’re-good movies.
It may not win any awards, but The Housekeeper doesn’t take itself seriously enough to care about accolades. This is fast-paced popcorn entertainment that amusingly spoofs genre conventions. Horror fans will get a kick spotting all the references and tropes getting the parody treatment.
The Housekeeper won’t dethrone classic horror-comedies, but it provides oddball meta-thrills in its own niche. As long as you come for the schlock, you’ll stay for the camp.
FAQ
Where can I watch The Housekeeper?
The Housekeeper is available exclusively on the free streaming service Tubi. It was released on Tubi on August 9, 2023.
What kind of movie is The Housekeeper?
The Housekeeper is a campy, kitschy thriller with comedic overtones. It spoofs conventions from horror and Thriller genres while also paying homage to B-movies.
Is The Housekeeper suitable for kids?
The Housekeeper is rated TV-14 for some violence, language, and mature themes. Parents may want to review the content before deciding if it’s suitable for children under 14.
How long is The Housekeeper?
The Housekeeper has a runtime of approximately 90 minutes.
Should I watch The Housekeeper if I don’t normally like horror movies?
While it parodies horror tropes, The Housekeeper aims more for kitschy thrills than genuine scares. Viewers who don’t like horror may still enjoy it for the campy comedic elements. However, some scenes may be unsettling for some.
Is The Housekeeper one of those “so bad it’s good” movies?
Yes, that’s exactly the kind of viewing experience The Housekeeper aims to deliver. It intentionally leans into exaggerated acting, silly plot twists, and low budget aesthetics to achieve a campy “so bad it’s good” vibe.
Is The Housekeeper suitable for date night?
The Housekeeper could make for a fun date night for couples who enjoy playfully bad horror-movie homages and don’t mind cheesy camp. The light tone prevents it from being too scary for date viewing.
Should I watch The Housekeeper seriously or ironically?
Definitely watch The Housekeeper with irony. The kitsch elements and parody style mean it’s designed to be enjoyed for its deliberate absurdity rather than taken seriously. Leaning into the camp will make for the best viewing experience
Is The Housekeeper getting good reviews?
Among its niche audience of B-movie fans and kitsch lovers, The Housekeeper has received solid reviews praising its successful campy style. Overall reviewers say it achieves exactly what it sets out to do – provide amused irony viewing.
In Summary
For viewers seeking an amusingly schlocky parody of horror cliches, The Housekeeper delivers entertaining camp thrills. While cheap production value and clumsy execution prevent true greatness, it succeeds within its kitsch niche. Thanks to exaggerated performances and a briskly silly tone, the movie provides chuckle-worthy meta-entertainment.
So gather your friends, bring your irony, and get ready to laugh at the playfully bad horror homage that is The Housekeeper. This Thriller parody wears its B-movie influences proudly, creating delightfully kitschy viewing.
Netflix offers a fascinating selection of romantic thrillers that blend suspense, passion, and surprise plot twists. The films keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they explore complex relationships and dark secrets. The following are ten of the best romantic thrillers currently on Netflix:
1. Deep Water (2022)
Deep Water is directed by Adrian Lyne and stars Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas in a tense depiction of marital infidelity. Affleck plays Vic, a wealthy husband who allows his wife Melinda (de Armas) to have lovers to avoid a divorce. However, his life takes a turn when one of Melinda’s lovers disappears, and Vic is the prime suspect in a gruesome mystery that blurs the lines between love and obsession. The film’s atmospheric suspense and psychological depth render it compelling watching.
2. The Handmaiden (2016)
This award-winning South Korean psychological thriller from director Park Chan-wook is a lavish adaptation of Sarah Waters’ novel Fingersmith. The film is set in 1930s Korea and follows a young woman who is taken in as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress. The maid, however, has ulterior motives as part of a con to steal the heiress’s wealth. The film skillfully interweaves betrayal, desire, and empowerment with flawless cinematography and unexpected plot twists that keep the viewer engaged until the end.
3. The Voyeurs (2021)
In The Voyeurs, directed by Michael Mohan, Pippa (Sydney Sweeney) and Thomas (Justice Smith) secure their dream apartment and then discover they can see directly into the lives of their neighbors. Their voyeurism puts them on a dangerous path of obsession and betrayal as they become involved in the lives of the couple across the way. This film combines eroticism with psychological thrills, questioning the concepts of privacy and morality.
4. Unfaithful (2002)
Starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere, Unfaithful is a drama of infidelity that spirals into tragedy. Lane plays Connie, a woman who starts an affair with a younger man (Olivier Martinez) with disastrous consequences on her marriage and family. Directed by Adrian Lyne, the movie builds suspensefully as it explores the territory of desire, guilt, and the lengths to which one will go to keep secrets.
5. Fair Play (2023)
Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich star in this new Netflix film as a power couple attempting to make a name for themselves in the cutthroat world of finance. After Emily gets unexpectedly promoted over Luke at their hedge fund job, their relationship is put to the test as ambition turns to competition. The film touches on themes of power dynamics in relationships while delivering edge-of-the-seat plot twists that keep viewers guessing as to what becomes of them.
6. Luckiest Girl Alive (2022)
Starring Mila Kunis as Ani FaNelli, a woman whose seemingly perfect life starts unraveling when she is forced to revisit her troubled past in an interview for a documentary. As her dark past in high school of violence and betrayal is uncovered, Ani must face off with her own identity and choices. This emotional exploration mixed with romance is a psychological thriller.
7. Haseen Dillruba (2021)
The blend of romance and intrigue is probed in this Bollywood movie, Taapsee Pannu becomes the focal point of murder investigation when her husband is killed under mysterious circumstances. In flashbacks that reveal her passionate affair with another person (Vikrant Massey), it takes the audience on a roller coaster ride of suspenseful twists and surprises that challenge attitudes towards love and loyalty.
8. Kappela (2020)
Kappela is inspired by the real-life story of Jessy (Anna Ben), who falls in love with a stranger when she gets fixed up by a friend via a phone call. But when she decides to meet him in body and flesh, things turn terribly wrong, bringing in deceit and hurt. This thriller Malayalam film interweaves romance with ease and suspense with perfection so that the audience members remain wondering about Jessy’s fate.
9. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
This Argentine movie combines romance and crime drama as it traces retired legal advisor Benjamín Esposito (Ricardo Darín), who pens a novel about an unsolved murder case from his past about his unrequited love for his boss (Soledad Villamil). As he recalls past memories, he discovers sinister truths that entwine love and justice in this suspenseful story.
10. Burning Betrayal (2023)
In this latest release, Babi learns of her lover’s infidelity and goes on a quest that makes her judge Marco. As they get to know each other in their new relationship riddled with sexual tension and emotional drama, they have to deal with their pasts as well as outside dangers that threaten to destroy their bliss.
These romance suspense movies present an exciting combination of passion, suspense, and complex storylines that are bound to hook the audience in search of something more than the standard romance.
There is something irresistibly appealing about romantic thriller movies. They combine the heart-pounding suspense of a thriller and the emotional depth of a love affair and blend them into a lethal cocktail of passion, intrigue, and danger. Whether you are a hopeless romantic or an adrenaline addict, these films will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Here’s a shortlisted list of the world’s top 10 best popular romance thriller movies that left the audience gasping for more.
1. Gone Girl (2014)
Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike
Why You’ll Love It: This psychological thriller explores the darker side of marriage, deception, and manipulation. Rosamund Pike’s breathtaking performance as Amy Dunne will leave you questioning everything you thought about love and trust.
Perfect For: Fans of intelligent plots and mind-bending storytelling.
2. The Bodyguard (1992)
Starring: Whitney Houston, Kevin Costner
Why You’ll Love It: A classic but great one that blends romance, music, and suspense. Whitney Houston’s iconic soundtrack, especially I Will Always Love You, brings this romance of love and guarding into legend territory.
Perfect For: Individuals who like an even mix of emotional romance and suspenseful action.
3. The Handmaiden (2016)
Director: Park Chan-wook
Why You’ll Love It: This South Korean jewel is a stunningly beautiful tale of deception, lust, and betrayal. Against the setting of 1930s Korea, the twisty turns of the movie’s complicated plot will keep you guessing until the very end.
Perfect For: Eloquent storytelling enthusiasts and world cinema fans.
4. Fatal Attraction (1987)
Starring: Michael Douglas, Glenn Close
Why You’ll Love It: Darkly cautionary story of obsession and infidelity, as tense as it is chilling. Glenn Close’s portrayal of Alex Forrest will not be forgotten and will leave you gripping the edge of your seat.
Perfect For: Psychological thrillers and romantic appetizers.
5. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Starring: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie
Why You’ll Love It: This action-packed rom-com thriller follows a married couple who discover they’re both assassins hired to kill each other. The chemistry between Pitt and Jolie is electric, making this film a wild ride.
Perfect For: Fans of action, humor, and sizzling romance.
6. The Girl on the Train (2016)
Starring: Emily Blunt
Why You’ll Love It: Based on the bestselling novel, this film is a gripping tale of love, loss, and mystery. Emily Blunt’s performance as Rachel, a woman entangled in a web of lies and obsession, is mesmerizing.
Perfect For: Mystery lovers who enjoy complex characters and suspenseful storytelling.
7. In the Mood for Love (2000)
Director: Wong Kar-wai
Why You’ll Love It: This Hong Kong classic is a poetic and melancholic story of forbidden love. The film’s lush visuals and haunting soundtrack make it a cinematic masterpiece.
Perfect For: Those who appreciate slow-burn romance and artistic filmmaking.
8. Crimson Peak (2015)
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain
Why You’ll Love It: A gothic romance thriller filled with chilling secrets, haunting visuals, and a love story that’s as beautiful as it is tragic. Guillermo del Toro’s direction brings this eerie tale to life.
Perfect For: Fans of dark, atmospheric films with a touch of romance.
9. The Tourist (2010)
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp
Why You’ll Love It: Set against the stunning backdrop of Venice, this film is a mix of romance, mystery, and action. Jolie and Depp’s chemistry adds a layer of intrigue to this thrilling ride.
Perfect For: Those who enjoy glamorous settings and lighthearted thrills.
10. Unfaithful (2002)
Starring: Diane Lane, Richard Gere
Why You’ll Love It: A story of passion, betrayal, and its devastating consequences, this film is both steamy and suspenseful. Diane Lane’s performance is raw and emotionally charged.
Perfect For: Fans of intense dramas with a romantic edge.
Why Romance Thrillers Are So Addictive
Romantic thrillers speak to our most intense emotions—love, lust, fear, and betrayal. They have us on the edge of our seats, our hearts racing, and our nerves frazzled long after the movie is over. These films are a reminder that love is not always pleasant; it can be dangerous, complex, and totally unpredictable.
Whether you’re in the mood for a dark psychological thriller or a glamorous action-packed romance, this list has it all. Grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and buckle up for a rollercoaster of emotions. These top 10 romance thriller movies are guaranteed to keep you entertained, intrigued, and maybe even a little breathless.
- What’s your favorite romance thriller? Let us know in the comments below!
Asphalt City is an upcoming American drama thriller film directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire and written by Ben Mac Brown, Shannon Burke, and Ryan King. The film stars Sean Penn, Tye Sheridan, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Michael Pitt, Katherine Waterston, Mike Tyson, and others. It is scheduled for theatrical release on March 29, 2024 in the United States.
Asphalt City follows a young NYC paramedic Ollie Cross (Tye Sheridan) who is paired with seasoned veteran Gene Rutkovsky (Sean Penn) for the demanding night shift. Each 911 call brings uncertainty and danger as they race to save lives across the chaotic streets of New York City.
ASPHALT CITY Trailer (2024)
Here are the key takeaways on the worldwide release dates for Asphalt City in 2024:
- Theatrical release in the US on March 29, 2024
- Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023
- Screened at Energa Camerimage Festival in November 2023
- Part of Sitges Film Festival lineup in December 2023
- Limited release in Belgium on March 28, 2024
- Opens in Netherlands on March 28, 2024
- DVD premiere in Germany on March 31, 2024
- Theatrical release in France on April 3, 2024
- Hits theaters in Russia on April 25, 2024
Let’s take a closer look at the timeline of Asphalt City’s journey to the big screen around the world:
Festival Circuit in 2023
As is common for highly anticipated films aiming for awards season glory, Asphalt City first debuted on the festival circuit in 2023 to drum up critical buzz before its commercial release in 2024.
Cannes Film Festival
The film held its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, where it was in contention for the coveted Palme d’Or prize as part of the main competition section. Cannes gives the film visibility among critics, industry insiders, and cinephiles even before the general public gets a chance to see it.
EnergaCamerimage International Film Festival
In November 2023, Asphalt City screened at the EnergaCamerimage festival in Poland, which celebrates cinematography in film. This provided an opportunity to highlight the work of talented cinematographer Wyatt Garfield and the film’s striking visual aesthetic.
Sitges Film Festival
Asphalt City was also selected to be part of the official lineup at the Sitges Film Festival in Barcelona, Spain in December 2023. As one of the world’s premier international festivals specializing in fantasy and horror films, Sitges helped showcase the thriller aspect of Asphalt City.
Early 2024 Limited Releases in Europe
In the weeks leading up to its wide theatrical launch in the US, Asphalt City had limited release dates scheduled across parts of Europe which served as important test screenings:
Belgium (March 28, 2024)
Asphalt City released in Belgium two weeks ahead of its US premiere. Opening early in Belgium provided a sampling of how European audiences would respond to the gritty drama.
Netherlands (March 28, 2024)
The film opened on the same day in the Netherlands, strategically targeting another European market with tastes similar to Belgium. Early reactions from Belgium and the Netherlands generated media buzz.
Germany (March 31, 2024)
Asphalt City had its DVD premiere in Germany just days before its US theatrical debut. The German DVD release enabled wider access across the country instead of a limited theatrical run.
Wider Releases in April 2024
After the initial festival appearances and preview screenings, Asphalt City rolled out to major movie markets in April 2024.
United States (March 29, 2024)
As the production company and key talent are American, the US market is the most crucial territory for Asphalt City. The film opens in theaters nationwide on March 29, 2024 – this wide release marks the first time most American audiences get to watch the movie.
Strong ticket sales and positive reviews from American critics and audiences will bolster its profile as award season approaches. The US release also kicks off global marketing and promotions.
France (April 3, 2024)
Following the US, Asphalt City arrives in cinemas across France on April 3, 2024. As France is Sean Penn’s adopted home and French director Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire helmed the film, success in France carries special significance.
French critics and moviegoers can help drive momentum as the film continues its international rollout over subsequent months targeting different release dates in each market.
Russia (April 25, 2024)
Towards the end of its initial global theatrical push, Asphalt City comes to Russia on April 25, 2024. Russia has proven to be a lucrative market for Hollywood films lately. Strong ticket sales in Russia will boost Asphalt City’s bottom line.
As is common practice, the distributors delay the Russian release date until after the all-important US debut. Russia also provides a new segment of viewers that could further enhance word-of-mouth and social media chatter around the world.
Awards Season Buzz in Late 2024
The final stage of Asphalt City’s strategic release schedule centers around building awards season buzz in Fall 2024.
By then, the film would already be playing in most international markets. Eyeing awards provides opportunity for a resurgence at the box office thanks to increased publicity and critical acclaim.
Asphalt City is expected to contend in categories like Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and more at ceremonies such as the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild Awards in late 2024 and early 2025.
FAQ
When is Asphalt City releasing in the US?
Asphalt City is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on March 29, 2024.
What was the first festival Asphalt City screened at?
Asphalt City made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023 as part of the prestigious Palme d’Or main competition.
How can I watch Asphalt City in Germany?
Asphalt City had its German premiere on DVD on March 31, 2024 ahead of a full theatrical run.
Is Asphalt City showing at any film festivals in 2023?
Yes, Asphalt City screened at Cannes in May, EnergaCamerimage in November, and Sitges in December 2023.
What awards could Asphalt City be nominated for?
There is Oscar buzz for Asphalt City to contend for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and more Academy Awards in 2024.
When does Asphalt City release in Russia?
Asphalt City is scheduled to open theatrically in Russia on April 25, 2024.
How can I watch Asphalt City in Belgium?
Asphalt City had a limited theatrical release in Belgium on March 28, 2024 ahead of its US premiere.
Will Asphalt City have a big marketing push?
Yes, the US release on March 29, 2024 will kick off a major global marketing and publicity campaign.
What other early European release dates are scheduled?
In addition to Belgium, Asphalt City also had limited March 28, 2024 premieres scheduled in Netherlands and a March 31 DVD release in Germany.
Why release in Europe first?
The early limited releases in European markets like Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany provided important test screenings and helped build buzz before the wider US and international theatrical rollout.
How crucial is success in the US market for Asphalt City?
The US market is the most important territory for Asphalt City. Strong ticket sales and reviews from American audiences and critics will be a key factor as award season approaches.
Conclusion
Asphalt City has implemented a strategic worldwide release schedule spanning festivals, limited premieres, and theatrical debuts across various international markets in 2023 and 2024.
The timeline maximizes exposure through carefully planned early screenings at critically renowned events like Cannes to build anticipation and position Asphalt City as a contender during awards season. The initial international limited releases help create buzz before the high stakes US theatrical launch.
Releasing across different regions in waves enables adapting marketing and fine-tuning distribution for each territory while benefiting from the cumulative momentum. If executed successfully, this global rollout plan can help make Asphalt City a breakout cross-over hit that attracts both mainstream crowds and cinephiles.
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