The Housewife is an American drama film directed by Ben Shirinian in his feature directorial debut, from a script by Alyssa Hill. It stars Naomi Watts, Tye Sheridan, Michael Imperioli, Luke Evans, Lena Olin and Debi Mazar.
It had its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
Plot A young New York Times journalist tracks down a potential Nazi officer living secretly in Queens, New York. But when he befriends the suspect's elegant and charming wife, the implications of his investigation become much more unsettling.
Cast Naomi Watts as Hermine Braunsteiner, a former Nazi who was a vicious concentration camp guard Tye Sheridan as Joseph Lelyveld, a journalist Michael Imperioli as Anthony DeVito, an immigration agent Luke Evans as Russell Ryan, a former construction worker and Hermine's husband Lena Olin as Rachel Berger, a concentration camp survivor who attests to Hermine's war crimes Debi Mazar as a sickly neighbor of Hermine Hannah Marks as Carolyn
Production
Development The film was announced in February 2024, marking the feature-length directorial debut of Ben Shirinian. The screenplay was written by Alyssa Hill, who also serves as an executive producer. International sales are handled by Neon, with CAA Media Finance representing domestic rights.
Casting Initial casting was announced in February 2024, with Naomi Watts, Tye Sheridan, Michael Imperioli and Norman Reedus attached to star.
Ahead of production, Luke Evans joined the film, replacing Reedus in his previously announced role.
Additional cast members include Debi Mazar, Hannah Marks, Bruce Altman and Lena Olin.
Filming Principal photography was scheduled to begin in June 2024. Filming took place in Montreal, Canada, during in May 2025.
Release It had its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2026.
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