Box office The film earned ₱21 million on its opening day and ₱63 million three days after its release, according to
Viva Films. Bulks of free tickets were given out by
Francis Zamora to all government employees in
San Juan, and claims that Imee Marcos was giving tickets to schools.
Viva Films disclosed that the film grossed worldwide as of September 5, 2022.
Critical reception The film received a generally negative reception from critics. Writing for the
Philippine Daily Inquirer, historian
Ambeth Ocampo criticized the acting, especially
Ella Cruz's portrayal of
Irene Marcos, saying that 'her whining and mock tears will not win her a
FAMAS Award and that is not
tsismis [gossip]'. He also criticized
Cesar Montano's acting as well, saying that his performance is 'wooden and colorless as the grainy archival footage of Marcos
declaring martial law in 1972.' However, he noted that the film is a fiction, and should be treated as such.
The Flame, the student publication of the
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Arts and Letters, called the film 'a bid for public sympathy', criticizing the cinematography and the use of chapters to present the film, while praising the film's humor and wit. Marion Aunor's rendition of "Nosi Balasi" was also praised, describing it as 'haunting', and 'sets a chilling atmosphere as it accompanies the audience to focus more on the one-act play of “simplicity.”'.
The Philippine Star also criticized the cinematography and the use of chapters as well, arguing that it is 'quite one-sided and doesn't allow for the many characters to shine on their own'. Additionally, they also criticized the acting, its propagandistic themes, and the 'snooze-fest' pacing, noting that 'the effort just appears lazy yet expects to elicit a response.' However, they praised
Ruffa Gutierrez's portrayal of
Imelda Marcos, arguing that Gutierrez's performance could earn her a Best Actress award 'if award-giving bodies would only not be biased in giving awards even to a pro-Marcos film.' Writing for
Rappler,
Catholic priest Joaquin Ferrer Jr. strongly criticized the film for its
historical distortion and the narrative, asking if it was 'made with malice'. He particularly criticized director Darryl Yap for the inclusion of the scene showing
Cory Aquino and the
Carmelite nuns playing
mahjong, saying that if it is just included for entertainment, then 'that is poor taste, ridiculous, and offensive.' Writing in his
blog, film critic Fred Hawson reviewed both
Maid in Malacañang and
Katips, praising the latter while giving the former a neutral reception. He argued that the film is a 'self-serving
haigography probably; an appeal for public sympathy possibly', adding that contrary to the reception online, the film 'did not feel confrontational' for the most part until the mahjong scene near the end. Stephanie Mayo of
The Daily Tribune gave a somewhat positive review. She remarks that the film is 'flawed and superficial', but it is 'surprisingly gentle', a 'straightforward, somber drama' by Yap. She also noted that the production 'is a bit rough around the edges', citing a scene where one of the maids was obviously trying to remember her line. Patricia Taculao of the
Manila Standard gave the film a positive review as well, especially praising
Cristine Reyes' performance, and noting that the film's ending 'is true to Yap’s reputation as a controversial director'. Columnist Antonio Contreras of
The Manila Times likewise gave the film a generally positive review, and argues that the film 'is not about
revising history but about humanizing the Marcoses at their most vulnerable and weakest'. However, he finds the film's stereotypical
typecasting as being 'problematic', criticizing the use of maids as
comic relief. Director and screenwriter
Suzette Doctolero likewise gave a favorable review to the film. ==Controversies==