There’s something thrilling about discovering that your latest page-turner is headed to the screen, even more so when that book is The Tenant by Freida McFadden!
Known for her knack for psychological thrillers, Freida McFadden has quickly become one of the most prominent thriller authors today, and Amazon MGM Studios has just secured the movie rights to her latest bestseller.
She’s a practicing neurologist, blending real-world medical insight with suspenseful powerhouse storytelling, and is quietly building a reputation as a New York Times bestselling author. Fans and Hollywood are starting to take note that her novels have the best stories that will easily transition to the big screen!
Her breakout hit novel, The Housemaid, is also being adapted into a movie, which is scheduled for release in theaters in December 2025. It stars big names like Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. So, when The Tenant, which was released in May 2025, was quickly snapped up for a movie adaptation, it came as no surprise to anyone.
Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists, with Scott Stuber and Molly Sims, will be producing the movie, and McFadden herself will step in as executive producer.
The author excels at crafting domestic spaces turned sinister. She builds suspense in intimate settings, like houses and hospitals, with emotionally flawed characters and relentless plot twists. You will be hooked in with the very first chapter and will find it hard to put the book down before you’ve read the final chapter.
Now that the movie rights of The Tenant have been acquired, it will only be a matter of time before we hear more good news. If you’ve read the book and would like to watch the movie as well, scroll down to read about everything currently revealed regarding the upcoming adaptation.
What will be the Plot of The Tenant Movie?
‘The Tenant’ centers on Blake Porter, a marketing executive whose life crashes down when he loses his job and can no longer afford his home.
In desperate need of income, he rents out a room to Whitney, who at first seems like a perfect tenant—charming, grounded, unassuming. But soon, unsettling things begin to happen. Strange sounds echo through the house. Neighbors look at Blake differently. Cleaning can’t disguise a smoky, decaying odor.
As paranoia creeps in, he realizes Whitney may be harboring motivations darker than tenancy, and he may be trapped in a twisted psychological game.
This is classic McFadden: domestic tranquility dissolves into suspense, where familiar places become unfamiliar, and the real terror is emotional intrusion.
If you haven’t yet read the book, here’s its official synopsis that will give you an idea of what to expect from the upcoming movie adaptation:
Blake Porter is riding high, until he’s not. Fired abruptly from his job as a VP of marketing and unable to make the mortgage payments on the new brownstone that he shares with his fiancée, he’s desperate to make ends meet.
Enter Whitney. Beautiful, charming, down-to-earth, and looking for a room to rent. She’s exactly what Blake’s looking for. Or is she?
Because something isn’t quite right. The neighbors start treating Blake differently. The smell of decay permeates his home, no matter how hard he scrubs. Strange noises jar him awake in the middle of the night. And soon Blake fears someone knows his darkest secrets!
Danger lives right at home, and by the time Blake realizes it, it’ll be far too late. The trap is already set.
Who is the Cast & Crew of The Tenant Film?
As the film is still in its very early stages of production, no cast has been announced for the movie so far.
On the production side, Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists and producer Scott Stuber are leading the project, with Molly Sims of Something Happy Productions joining as a producer.
Freida McFadden herself will executive produce the adaptation to ensure the story transitions smoothly from the book to the big screen. These seasoned teams suggest the series aims not just for thriller-level suspense, but for mainstream impact.
What is the Release Date for The Tenant Movie?
Since filming hasn’t even begun and we don’t know the cast, no public release date has been confirmed. And if I am being honest, it will be quite some time before we hear any solid news regarding the adaptation!
However, with a high-caliber producing team and executive producer credit going to McFadden, anticipation is high.
Should You Read the Book First?
If you thrive on slow-burning psychological dread, yes—read it first. Freida McFadden’s novels are immersive, emotionally intricate, and filled with mental twists that a screen adaptation may have to simplify.
The author is a prolific writer, having written solo thrillers like The Boyfriend, The Teacher, and The Tenant, as well as a bestselling series like The Housemaid. And fans can’t get enough of her novels, as whenever she releases a new book, it invariably becomes an instant bestseller.
The Tenant develops mood and mistrust through interiority and pacing, which the book alone delivers. Reading ahead also allows you to catch foreshadowing, connect subtle clues, and compare how the movie adaptation handles character development and setting nuances.
Additionally, reading the original is essential if you want to fully appreciate the layers once they unfold on screen when The Tenant movie is finally released.
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