I love a good thriller, something that keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering what’s around the corner. Classics like Single White Female, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, and Misery come to mind – films that mastered the art of building tension and unease. So, when I stumbled upon The Housekeeper on Tubi, I was intrigued. Could this campy thriller deliver the goods?
At first glance, The Housekeeper seems like your run-of-the-mill, made-for-TV movie. But, as I dived deeper, I discovered a film that’s either brilliant in its campiness or a hot mess. Denise Richards, the queen of 90s camp, stars alongside Ilean Almaguer in this mysterious tale of wealth, power, and deceit. With its over-the-top performances and predictable twists, I couldn’t help but wonder: is The Housekeeper a guilty pleasure or a trainwreck?
Let’s dive in and find out.
A Campy Delight with Denise Richards
The Housekeeper’s plot is nothing groundbreaking, but it’s a fun, mindless ride. Ilean Almaguer plays Sandra, the new housekeeper for the wealthy Ash family, who are still reeling from the mysterious disappearance of their previous employee. As Sandra digs deeper, she uncovers secrets and lies that make her question everyone’s intentions.
Denise Richards shines as Kit Ash, the family matriarch with a flair for drama. She’s having a blast, and it’s infectious. Richards’ presence elevates the entire film, making even the most predictable moments enjoyable. Her character’s antics are straight out of a soap opera, and I was here for it.
Richard Gunn, as Preston Ash, is less convincing, but his chemistry with Richards works. The supporting cast is decent, but it’s Almaguer who holds the film together. Her portrayal of Sandra is likable and relatable, making it easy to root for her.
The Housekeeper’s biggest strength lies in its camp value. It’s a throwback to 90s thrillers, with exaggerated performances and cheesy dialogue. If you’re a fan of films like Poison Ivy or The Stepfather, you’ll appreciate this Tubi original.
For a Tubi film, The Housekeeper exceeds expectations. It’s not perfect, but it’s an entertaining way to spend an evening. The pacing is quick, and the runtime flies by.
A Thriller with Heart, Despite Flaws
The Housekeeper’s writing is where the film falters. Stuart Altman’s script relies on familiar tropes and predictable twists. You’ll see the “shocking” reveals coming a mile away, but that’s part of the fun. This isn’t a film that takes itself seriously, and that’s refreshing.
Altman’s direction, however, shows promise. He knows how to craft tension and uses the Ash family’s opulent mansion to create unease. The cinematography is surprisingly good, capturing the eerie atmosphere of the house.
What surprised me most was the film’s commentary on class differences. The Ash family’s wealth and privilege are juxtaposed with Sandra’s humble background, highlighting the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. It’s not a nuanced exploration, but it adds depth to the narrative.
The Housekeeper’s technical aspects are impressive, considering its Tubi origins. The sound design and score are effective, even if the editing could be tighter.
Despite its flaws, The Housekeeper won me over. It’s a campy thriller that knows its strengths and weaknesses. If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted and entertaining, this Tubi original is worth a watch.
A Surprisingly Polished Film
Considering its Tubi origins, The Housekeeper’s technical aspects are remarkably well-done. The film’s production value exceeds expectations, making it a pleasant surprise.
Cinematography: The camerawork effectively captures the eerie atmosphere of the Ash family’s mansion. The use of lighting and shadows adds tension to key scenes, elevating the overall mood.
Sound Design and Score: The sound effects and music complement the on-screen action nicely. The score is particularly effective in building tension during pivotal moments.
Editing: While not perfect, the editing is generally well-done. Some scenes feel a bit rushed, but the pacing is mostly well-balanced.
Location Shooting: The film’s use of Youngstown, Ohio, as a primary location adds a unique charm. The Ash family’s mansion, in particular, is a character in its own right.
Special Effects: Minimal but effective. The film doesn’t rely heavily on CGI, opting for practical effects instead.
The Housekeeper’s technical aspects demonstrate a clear effort to create a polished, enjoyable viewing experience. While not flawless, the film’s production value is impressive, especially considering its Tubi origins.
Should You Watch The Housekeeper on Tubi?
Let’s face it, folks. If you’re scrolling through Tubi, you’re probably looking for something to kill some time or satisfy your guilty pleasure cravings. The Housekeeper delivers on both fronts.
I love a good campy thriller, and this film checks all the right boxes. Denise Richards’ over-the-top performance, the opulent setting, and the predictable twists – it’s like a time capsule from the 90s.
Watch it if:
- You’re in the mood for something mindless and fun
- You’re a sucker for campy performances like I am
- You want to see what Tubi’s got to offer
- You’re nostalgic for those cheesy 90s thrillers
Skip it if:
- You’re looking for something deep and thought-provoking
- You get annoyed by predictable plot twists
- You’re not down with campy humor
Honestly, The Housekeeper is a solid choice for a lazy evening. It’s not gonna blow your mind, but it’ll keep you entertained.
The Verdict:
The Housekeeper is a campy, thrilling good time. It’s not perfect, but it’s worth watching on Tubi. Denise Richards shines, and the film’s production value is surprisingly good.
Rating: 2.75/5 stars
You can watch The Housekeeper right now for free on-demand 24×7 on Tubi.
