The Housemaid

Eun-yi is a warm, resilient young woman who takes a precarious job as an au pair in a wealthy household. She navigates a dangerous power imbalance, forming an intimate relationship with Hoon while maintaining a caring demeanor toward Hae-ra and Nami. Her pregnancy becomes a pivotal secret that drives the family to desperate, violent actions and ultimately fuels her quest for revenge.

Hae-ra is the pregnant wife whose life appears gilded yet is constrained by her mother’s influence and the husband’s infidelity. She oscillates between fear and anger, ultimately revealing a capacity for ruthless manipulation in a bid to protect their unborn twins or to settle scores. Her actions help catalyze the household’s unravelling.

Hoon is the husband whose charm masks a pattern of infidelity and contempt for the boundaries of marriage. He leverages his status and allure to pursue Eun-yi while remaining emotionally distant from his wife. His actions drive much of the tragedy that unfolds within the household.

Miss Cho is the other live-in maid who witnesses the affair and becomes entangled in the family’s schemes. She hints at Eun-yi’s pregnancy and ultimately makes a choice about loyalty and self-preservation, quitting when the moral lines become too blurred. Her involvement underscores the complex web of competing interests among the staff.

Mi-hee is Hae-ra’s mother and a controlling figure who advocates for preserving appearances at any cost. She orchestrates the abortion and uses her influence to manipulate outcomes, embodying privilege-driven ruthlessness. Her machinations propel the family toward a climactic reckoning.

Nami is the couple’s young daughter, whose innocence stands in stark contrast to the adult turmoil surrounding her. The final birthday scene casts a chilling light on the family’s fractured psyche and the hollow veneer of their happiness.