“Verity,” a psychological thriller directed by Michael Showalter and adapted from Colleen Hoover’s 2018 novel, follows author Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson) as she is hired to complete a series of unfinished manuscripts by bestselling writer Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway), who is reportedly paralyzed and unable to speak. The story unfolds in the luxury lakeside home of Verity and her husband Jeremy (Josh Hartnett), a grieving father coping with the loss of their daughter.

Lowen’s role as ghostwriter introduces her to Jeremy, and as she uncovers a disturbing autobiographical manuscript written by Verity, the boundaries of her responsibilities begin to blur. What starts as a literary assignment soon takes on darker tones, entwining themes of deception, obsession, and the psychological unraveling of the characters.

The film attempts to position itself within the psychological thriller genre but often veers into territory that some viewers may find unintentionally comedic. Screenwriter Nick Antosca’s script is marked by melodramatic dialogue and contrived plot developments that at times undermine the intended suspense. Notably, certain scenes, including graphic injury imagery and awkwardly staged intimate moments, lend a tone more akin to camp than thriller.

The movie frequently plays with ambiguity, leaving questions about the reliability of the characters’ perceptions and the reality of events on screen. Scenes such as one where Jeremy’s young son places a kitchen knife in his mouth underscore the unsettling atmosphere but raise credibility issues about character behavior.

Visually, the film is marked by Jim Frohna’s cold, wintry cinematography, which adds a polished, atmospheric touch. The casting of Johnson, Hathaway, and Hartnett brings experienced actors to the material, though their performances are constrained by a storyline that critics suggest lacks coherence and depth. Hathaway’s portrayal of the incapacitated Verity is largely confined to emoting while mostly immobile, while Johnson’s character is characterized by a notably subdued presence. Hartnett’s role as the troubled husband provides a dynamic that some may interpret as straddling the line between hero and antagonist.

“Verity” draws inspiration from earlier female-centered psychological thrillers but struggles to maintain narrative momentum or deliver a conclusive resolution. The film’s blend of soap opera elements and thriller conventions results in a storyline that some may find implausible or overwrought. While it has moments of intrigue, the overall execution may leave audiences seeking a more tightly crafted psychological narrative.