Michael Showalter’s latest film, “Verity,” adapts the popular novel by Colleen Hoover with a darker, more stylized approach than previous adaptations of her work. Released recently, the film presents itself as a campy thriller infused with psychological twists, diverging from the more straightforward emotional tones seen in earlier movies based on Hoover’s writing.
The screenplay, penned by Nick Antosca, known for his work on television dramas such as “The Act” and “Cape Fear,” remains largely faithful to Hoover’s original novel. The story follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, who becomes embroiled in a tense and mysterious arrangement with bestselling author Verity, played by Anne Hathaway, and her husband Jeremy, played by Josh Hartnett. When Lowen steps in to complete Verity’s unfinished book series after Verity is left incapacitated by a car accident, she uncovers unsettling secrets through a hidden autobiography written by Verity, revealing the darker facets of the woman beneath the public persona.
Set primarily in a grand Vermont mansion, the film explores themes of obsession, identity, and deception. Lowen’s character becomes fascinated not only with Verity’s life but also with her complex psychological presence despite her catatonic state. Hathaway’s interpretation of Verity taps into a Hitchcockian archetype with a femme fatale edge, juxtaposing her character’s glamorous public image with sinister undertones. Johnson’s portrayal of Lowen balances curiosity and vulnerability, while Hartnett’s Jeremy serves as the link between the two women, his character oscillating between naive husband and a more ambiguous figure.
Showalter, known for his comedic background and previous collaboration with Hathaway on “The Idea of You,” brings a polished aesthetic to the film. The production design highlights the imposing and somewhat claustrophobic interiors of the Vermont estate, adding to the tense atmosphere. The three lead actors navigate complex character dynamics, shifting between sympathy and suspicion, which aids in maintaining the film’s suspenseful tone.
While “Verity” delivers strong performances and a visually rich environment, some critics note that it leaves certain motivations underexplored, particularly regarding Verity’s calculated behavior and Lowen’s psychological drive. The narrative embraces uncertainty, reflecting on the mutable nature of truth and identity, without offering clear resolutions.
Among the adaptations of Colleen Hoover’s novels to date, “Verity” is regarded as the most stylish and thematically sophisticated. It balances elements of thriller, melodrama, and psychological intrigue, positioning itself distinctively within the genre. The film underscores the complexities of storytelling itself, presenting an unsettling meditation on the elusive nature of reality and the personas people create.