Quick Read
- Sydney Sweeney starred in ‘The Housemaid’, tackling domestic violence and mental health.
- Her American Eagle jeans ad campaign sparked controversy over perceived racial undertones.
- Sweeney responded directly to critics, emphasizing her opposition to hate and divisiveness.
- The Housemaid opened strong at the box office, marking a career rebound.
- Future adaptations of the bestselling novel are possible after its cinematic success.
Sydney Sweeney has never been one to shy away from complexity—on screen or off. In 2025, the 28-year-old American actor found herself at the heart of two very different storms: one swirling around a denim ad, the other unfolding in the dark corridors of a psychological thriller. Both, in their own way, have thrust her into the public eye, revealing the depth and determination behind the rising Hollywood star.
Earlier this year, Sweeney took on the lead role of Millie Calloway in The Housemaid, a film adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel. This isn’t your average domestic drama. Directed by Paul Feig, the movie delves into the shadowy realities of domestic violence—both physical and psychological—and mental health struggles, themes Sweeney says are “prevalent” and demand careful treatment. “Being able to have a film that’s on a more commercial level talk about a very difficult topic is important,” she told BBC News.
Her co-star Amanda Seyfried, who plays Nina Winchester, echoes this sentiment. “There’s a similarity between us that’s uncanny, and it’s really fun to work with people who are doing life in a similar way,” Seyfried noted. Both actresses found themselves drawing on shared values and experiences, creating a dynamic that translated into nuanced, emotionally charged performances. The film, which also features Brandon Sklenar as Andrew Winchester, has garnered positive reviews—four stars from The Guardian—with critics praising its ability to balance entertainment and realism.
Director Paul Feig admitted to feeling “nervous” about handling such sensitive material, emphasizing his intent to focus on psychological abuse rather than graphic depictions of violence. Hollywood’s reckoning with how it portrays domestic abuse has intensified, especially after the promotional controversy surrounding 2024’s It Ends With Us. Feig’s approach in The Housemaid seems to have resonated, with audiences and critics alike appreciating the film’s modern take on classic domestic thrillers.
Off-screen, however, Sweeney faced a storm of a different kind. Her American Eagle jeans campaign, built around the playful tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” sparked a wave of online criticism. Some viewers interpreted the “jeans/genes” wordplay as having racially charged or eugenic undertones. Others drew comparisons to provocative denim ads of the past, like Brooke Shields’ famous 1980 Calvin Klein campaign. Sweeney herself was caught off guard. “I was honestly surprised by the reaction,” she told People Magazine. “I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. I don’t support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign.”
For months, Sweeney kept quiet, but as the debate grew louder, she decided to address it head-on. “I’m against hate and divisiveness,” she said, hoping the new year would bring more focus on unity rather than division. American Eagle released a statement clarifying that the campaign was always about the jeans—her jeans—and not about genetics or racial identity. Sweeney reinforced her position in a GQ cover story, saying simply, “I did a jean ad. All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life.”
The controversy, while intense, did little to slow her career momentum. In fact, the ad campaign translated to a spike in American Eagle sales—a testament to Sweeney’s star power, even as debate raged online. Meanwhile, her work in The Housemaid and the boxing biopic Christy has drawn praise for shining a light on domestic violence and its emotional toll. Sweeney approaches these roles with what she describes as “a lot of care,” aiming to spark conversation and understanding among viewers. “I want to make films that will impact and hopefully save people’s lives,” she told the BBC.
But the pressure hasn’t always been easy. Sweeney’s career has been under scrutiny after a string of box office disappointments, making the $19 million opening weekend for The Housemaid in North America especially gratifying. The film’s success, coupled with the popularity of McFadden’s original novel—which sold more than 1.6 million copies worldwide—suggests that Sweeney’s choices are resonating. With two sequels already published, the possibility of future adaptations looms large.
Director Feig, whose previous credits include Bridesmaids and The Heat, believes that bestselling books will continue to be fertile ground for Hollywood, provided they translate well to the screen. For The Housemaid, Feig collaborated closely with Rebecca Sonnenshine’s adapted screenplay, restoring key scenes from the novel and even adding a surprise ending not found in the book—a nod to fans seeking something fresh.
As the credits roll on 2025, Sydney Sweeney stands at a crossroads familiar to many in the public eye: celebrated for her talent, scrutinized for her choices, and determined to use her platform for meaningful impact. Whether she’s sparking debate in a jeans ad or bringing difficult stories to life on screen, Sweeney’s year has been a study in resilience—and a reminder that behind every headline lies a real person navigating fame, controversy, and purpose.
Sydney Sweeney’s journey this year reveals a star whose commitment to authenticity—in both her roles and her responses to public backlash—has shaped her trajectory. By tackling taboo topics on screen and confronting criticism with candor, she’s proved that impact comes not only from what you create, but from how you engage with the world around you.