Amanda Seyfried’s career trajectory has been one of steady ascent, marked by both critical and popular acclaim. From her early days as Karen Smith in the cult classic Mean Girls to her more recent, celebrated performances, Seyfried has become a fixture in Hollywood, known for her versatility and depth. Now, with two major films—The Testament of Ann Lee and The Housemaid—gracing theaters in late 2025, Seyfried’s star is shining brighter than ever, and audiences and critics alike are taking notice.
It’s not every day that an actor finds themselves at the center of two buzzworthy releases in such quick succession, but Seyfried seems to be making a habit of it. According to a recent review published as The Testament of Ann Lee hit theaters (as of December 27, 2025), Seyfried’s performance in the title role is nothing short of phenomenal. The reviewer raved, “Amanda Seyfried is best in show, doing phenomenal work.” Such high praise, especially when stacked against accomplished co-stars like Christopher Abbott, Lewis Pullman, and Thomasin McKenzie, signals that Seyfried’s work is resonating at a new level.
What makes her turn in The Testament of Ann Lee particularly notable, according to critics, is the sheer physicality and emotional intensity she brings to the role. The director, Mona Fastvold, is credited with allowing Seyfried to inhabit Ann Lee on her own terms, a decision that paid off handsomely. The reviewer went so far as to say, “Her shaking alone is Oscar worthy, as there are few performances this year that can match the intensity shown here.” With such accolades, it’s no surprise that there’s talk of Seyfried earning her second Academy Award nomination for this role—a testament to both her enduring talent and her willingness to take risks.
But Seyfried’s 2025 isn’t defined by a single tour de force. Just days before The Testament of Ann Lee arrived in theaters, another Seyfried-led project, The Housemaid, opened on December 19, 2025. Starring alongside Sydney Sweeney, Seyfried takes on the character Nina Winchester, while Sweeney plays Millie Calloway. The film, based on the hit book series by Freida McFadden and directed by Paul Feig, has generated considerable buzz—not just for its suspenseful plot, but for the palpable chemistry between its leads.
Interestingly, while Nina and Millie are locked in a contentious relationship on screen, the dynamic between Seyfried and Sweeney off-camera couldn’t be more different. In an interview published by Good Housekeeping on December 9, 2025, Sweeney opened up about their friendship, revealing that the two hit it off immediately. “The first day we met, we were talking the entire time,” Sweeney recalled. Seyfried echoed the sentiment, adding, “We were always on the same page, and we were in the same boat. We had the same need to make this great and have fun.”
Their rapport wasn’t just a happy accident—it became a crucial part of their process. Both actresses credit their off-screen bond with enhancing their on-screen performances. Seyfried noted, “I think we both have had enough experiences in our careers to know what the difference is between what we did and, you know, other experiences. And I think you get burned enough times to know that we’re safer together.” Sweeney agreed, suggesting that their chemistry was almost fated: “Someone predicted the two of us might become good friends,” she remarked. The director, Paul Feig, also played a key role in fostering this dynamic, with Sweeney praising his ability to capture the nuances of their relationship in the final cut. “There was so much we had that you don’t see because there were so many different takes. But we would just play and play and play, and every single time it was different.”
For fans and critics, this real-life camaraderie adds another layer of intrigue to The Housemaid. While the film’s plot is packed with suspense and psychological twists, it’s the authentic connection between Seyfried and Sweeney that elevates the material, making the rivalry between Nina and Millie feel all the more believable—and, perhaps, all the more heartbreaking.
Seyfried’s recent successes are the latest chapters in a career that has been building momentum for over two decades. Her early work in Mean Girls put her on the map, but it’s her more mature roles that have truly showcased her range. In a ranking of her best performances published as of December 27, 2025, Seyfried’s work in Mank holds the top spot, with The Testament of Ann Lee following closely behind. Other highlights include her scene-stealing turns in Chloe, First Reformed, and, of course, Mean Girls. Honorable mentions go to films like Alpha Dog, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Mamma Mia!, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Ted 2.
What’s striking is that, even with such a rich filmography, Seyfried seems to be hitting new heights. The reviewer noted, “Given that her most recent performances have shown her best work, one has to assume that, even with the heights she’s at now, the best is still yet to come. Isn’t that just so exciting?” It’s a sentiment echoed by many who have followed her journey from ingenue to leading lady.
Meanwhile, the collaborative spirit between Seyfried and Sweeney on The Housemaid offers a refreshing counterpoint to the cutthroat reputation of Hollywood. Their willingness to support each other, both personally and professionally, stands out in an industry often characterized by competition. As Sweeney put it, “We were always in the same boat.” It’s a testament to the power of genuine connection—and a reminder that sometimes, the best performances come from a place of trust and mutual respect.
With both The Testament of Ann Lee and The Housemaid now in theaters, audiences have the rare opportunity to witness an actress at the peak of her powers. Whether she’s delivering an Oscar-worthy performance in a historical drama or sparring with a co-star in a psychological thriller, Amanda Seyfried continues to prove why she’s one of Hollywood’s most compelling talents. If the past few years are any indication, the best may indeed be yet to come.
