Not many characters attract audiences to theatres like housekeepers. Since the 1980’s, housekeepers have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s parasitic housekeepers, British butlers or suspects of murders, the genre has created many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made about housekeepers that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Sound of Music
“The Sound of Music” is a legendary musical my mother always considered iconic. I fondly recall with nostalgia fond memories of a mother that appreciated Maria. I remember my mother was a fan of a musical about naval captains facing disaster. She would love singing timeless melodies of a musical having an impact on her identity. Through her lifelong love for an iconic musical, my mother inspired me to make film criticism dreams come true. Following its release in 1965, Robert Wise’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about housekeepers. With the greatest film of his career, Wise used captivating musical numbers to capture the heavy burden that housekeepers bear. Wise has always had an aptitude for making engaging movies about housekeepers in danger, and “The Sound of Music” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Wise used engaging musical numbers to capture hardships that housekeepers are facing. For instance, the scene in which Maria is first hired as the housemaid of the naval captain’s family is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Julie Andrews, who embodied a housemaid seeking to care for a family facing issues. Ultimately, what makes “The Sound of Music” my favourite film about housekeepers of all-time is its timeless appeal. Unlike most musicals made during the 1960’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. It delivers a meaningful message about housekeepers which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years after the release of a classic musical about magical nannies seeking to care for children by the sound of music, it’s a terrific reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured groundbreaking movies about housekeepers which have captivated the public.
2. The Remains of the Day
Butlers are powerful figures that played a pivotal role in my family. I recall fond memories of a butler that assisted my grandparents. Dedicated to performing every chore, he was a housekeeper that my family would always adore. As someone treasuring fond memories of a butler that changed my family in every way, I adored “The Remains of the Day”. Released in 1993, James Ivory’s movie captured the lives of Butlers assisting a British family. Ivory used captivating montages capturing a butler seeking to assist a family whose health is declining. For instance, the scene in which Stevens delivers a rousing speech seeking to prepare his servants for a big lunch during the era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it al is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins, who embodied a butler dedicated to assisting his family. Ultimately, what makes “The Remains of the Day” a memorable movie is its meaningful message. The film delivers a strong message about social class with which everyone would be able to engage. As someone that has always shared a long-lasting relationship with my family’s housekeepers, the movie resonated strongly with me. A brilliant adaptation of a beloved book about butlers reminiscing the remains of the day, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an genre that deserves to be celebrated today.
3. Parasite
Social class is a barrier that impacts housekeepers. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found the housekeeper they trusted fully had stolen jewelry. As someone that has witnessed the social class barriers housekeepers fight, I adored “Parasite”. Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning drama captured social class barriers affecting families in South Korea. Bong Joon-ho effectively uses symbolism to capture the plight of a parasitic family seeking money in a country divided by social inequality. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family hatch a plan to plant parasitic peaches to get ride of the Park family’s housekeeper causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Song Kang-Ho, who embodied a father facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be South Korean to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about social inequality which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of the parasite social class barriers families in South Korea fight, it’s a bold reminder of a genre manufacturing great movies that deserve spotlight.
4. Knives Out
Social class has impacted my family. Years ago, my grandparents faced grief when they found that their housekeeper was a thief. I remember he was a generous housekeeper regarding my grandparents in a kind manner. However, my grandparents were shocked to discover he had stolen jewelry. As someone haunted by memories of a housekeeper taking knives out, I adored “Knives Out”. Released in 2019, Rian Johnson’s murder mystery captured a dysfunctional family. Johnson effectively uses humour to capture a dysfunctional family impacted by murder. For instance, the scene in which the members of the Thrombey family have a tense meeting causing a dilemma following the death of their patriarch is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Daniel Craig, who embodies a dedicated detective investigating a dysfunctional family. Ultimately, what makes “Knives Out” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most murder mysteries, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about wealth which would resonate with everyone. A magnificent mystery about housekeepers with knives out, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about the lives of housekeepers which deserve to be talked about.
5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter is a magical series that shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a pivotal part of my childhood. Housekeepers have always played a pivotal role in a series about magical wizards facing dangers. The role of housekeepers revealing secrets in the magical franchise is most evident in the second film “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”. Released in 2002, Chris Columbus’ movie captured the struggles faced by house elves. Columbus used captivating practical effects to create a magical house elf treated poorly by a wizarding family that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Dobby is finally given freedom from Mr. Malfoy causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Toby Jones, who portrayed a house elf facing tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” a great Harry Potter film is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the book series to appreciate it. A spectacular adaptation of a groundbreaking book about powerful wizards with stories to tell casting a spell, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies which excel.
6. Batman Begins
Batman is a beloved comic-book character that has built a lasting legacy. Since his creation in the 1960’s, the caped crusader has appeared in unforgettable movies. One of the characteristics of Batman is that he is aided by his butler Alfred in his missions to save his city from danger. In 2005, Christopher Nolan reimagined the heroic millionaire in his movie “Batman Begins”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Batman Begins” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Nolan effectively used flashbacks to capture a traumatized millionaire haunted by his parents’ death. Assisted by Christian Bale who is amazing in the lead role, Nolan honoured a superhero with detail. A captivating tribute towards a comic-book character, it’s a compelling reminder of a commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.
7. The Help
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about housekeepers providing help, it’s worth discussing The Help. Since its publication in 2009, Kathryn Stockett’s book has become a literary classic. In 2011, Tate Taylor honoured the iconic book about housekeepers providing help in his movie “The Help”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Help” stand out is its depiction of racism. Taylor uses captivating montages capturing hardships that housekeepers facing racism are experiencing. Assisted by Viola Davis who is extraordinary in the lead role, Taylor honoured a book about housekeepers that’s inspiring. A bold adaptation of a book about housemaids that are helpful, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about housekeepers which audiences consider special.
8. Mrs. Doubtfire
Humor is a rare quality seldom seen in movies about housekeepers. The genre has often adopted a serious tone capturing the lives of housekeepers performing tasks that are dangerous. In a serious genre capturing housekeepers that are dire, it’s worth praising “Mrs. Doubtfire”. Released in 1993, Chris Columbus’ comedy captured the lives of cross-dressing housekeepers. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Mrs. Doubtfire” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Columbus used captivating humour capturing hardships that a divorced dad dressing up as a housekeeper is facing. Assisted by Robin Williams who is extraordinary in the lead role, Columbus created a captivating housekeeper comedy. As precious as chores performed by Mrs. Doubtfire, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies audiences admire.
9. The White Tiger
Housekeepers facing trauma are often common in India. India has built an image of being a country where housekeepers are often treated poorly by masters causing damage. The negative treatment of housekeepers in India treated in an unfair manner is beautifully depicted in the movie “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie captured housekeepers in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The White Tiger” stand out is its depiction of India. Bahrani uses captivating narration capturing hardships housekeepers in India are facing. Assisted by Adarsh Gourav who is amazing in the lead role, Bahrani created a portrait of India. A powerful portrait of housekeepers facing trauma in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies attracting audiences to the cinema.
10. Rebecca
Few movies ever made about housekeepers facing a dilemma are as beloved as “Rebecca”. Since its release in 1940, Alfred Hitchcock’s movie has become a classic. In 2020, Ben Wheatley honoured the iconic classic in his movie “Rebecca”. Wheatley used captivating set-design to capture housemaids whose lives decline. Assisted by Kristin Scott Thomas who is superb in the lead role, Wheatley honoured a classic movie’s legacy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of housekeepers treating women poorly has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Mrs. Danvers’ desire to care for Manderley’s mansion, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making movies about housekeepers facing tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 