American actress Dakota Johnson described the psychological thriller Verity as a compelling exploration of truth and trust at the film’s British premiere on September 24 in London. The movie, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s 2018 best-selling novel, centers on Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson), a struggling writer hired to complete a series of books by prominent author Verity Crawford, who is incapacitated after an accident.

Set primarily at the secluded Crawford family estate, the story deepens as Lowen uncovers what appears to be an autobiographical manuscript written by Verity, revealing unsettling secrets that blur the lines between reality and deception. Johnson, 36, characterized the film as “thrilling” and noted its exploration of ambiguity regarding who can be trusted, likening it to real life.

Directed by Michael Showalter, Verity features Anne Hathaway as Verity and Josh Hartnett as her husband Jeremy. Showalter, known for directing The Big Sick (2017), said he was drawn to the novel’s “glamorous, hypnotic, inviting” atmosphere as well as its suspenseful and eerie qualities. The filmmaker highlighted an emphasis on sexual themes in the adaptation, reflecting the story’s candid engagement with human desire.

Hartnett, 48, praised the film’s refusal to offer clear-cut answers, describing it as a “choose-your-own-adventure” about identifying the villain, contrasting this approach with more conventional films that tend to “spoon-feed” audiences. He expressed hope that the open-ended narrative would inspire spirited debate among viewers, even joking about potential disagreements in the theater.

Both Hartnett and Showalter lauded the performances of Hathaway and Johnson, with Hartnett calling them among the best in the industry and noting that the film “exists on their two faces.” Johnson expressed enthusiasm for playing darker roles, stating a desire to portray villainous characters due to the creative challenge they present.

Hoover, 46, was reportedly closely involved throughout the filmmaking process and makes a cameo appearance in the film. While Verity remains largely faithful to the novel’s plot, Showalter acknowledged a deliberate emphasis on erotic elements. He also stressed the importance of mainstream Hollywood films engaging with challenging or uncomfortable subjects, emphasizing that audiences are capable of processing complex material beyond everyday experiences.

Verity follows a recent trend of Hoover’s novels receiving film adaptations, including the 2024 release of It Ends With Us, directed by actor Justin Baldoni. The film continues to attract attention for its psychological depth, moral ambiguity, and the interplay of truth, trust, and deception.