Michael Showalter’s second Colleen Hoover adaptation lands in theatres on Oct 2, mixing erotic thrills with over‑the‑top camp that may divide audiences.
The latest Colleen Hoover adaptation, Verity, opens its doors on October 2, and it does so with a swagger that feels half‑serious, half‑parody. Anne Hathaway steps into the titular author’s shoes, delivering a performance that leans into flamboyance rather than subtlety. Her Verity Crawford is ailing, enigmatic, and unapologetically theatrical – a choice that makes every line feel like a deliberate over‑statement.
Dakota Johnson plays Lowen Ashleigh, a writer on the brink of losing her home. Johnson’s comfort with her own body is on full display, and director Michael Showalter makes sure the camera lingers just enough to remind viewers why she was cast. The chemistry between the two leads is intentionally skewed, keeping the audience guessing whether they’re watching a thriller or a tongue‑in‑cheek romp.
Josh Hartnett’s Jeremy is billed as a himbo, but the script toys with that label. He oscillates between earnest affection and unsettling motives, leaving the viewer to wonder if his kindness is genuine or a façade. The film’s twists pile up, some feeling earned, others stretching the patience of anyone hoping for a tighter narrative.
Visually, cinematographer Jim Frohna leans into the house’s architecture. Mirrors, glass panels, and a recurring “V” motif turn the Crawford residence into more than a backdrop. It becomes a labyrinth that reflects the characters’ fractured truths. Production designer Amy Williams adds layers of décor that feel both opulent and claustrophobic, reinforcing the sense that the mansion is a gilded cage.
The screenplay, penned by Nick Antosca, tries to juggle two moods. On one side, it aims for a serious psychological puzzle that questions what’s real. On the other, it embraces a campy, sensual vibe that revels in its own excess. The result is a film that sometimes knows what it wants to be, and other times gets lost in its own ambition.
A standout moment arrives in the opening minutes: Lowen, drenched in blood after a sudden accident, meets Jeremy in a macabre meet‑cute. The scene is visually striking, but its length feels indulgent, a microcosm of the film’s broader pacing issues. At nearly two hours, Verity asks for a lot of attention, and not every twist lands with the intended punch.
For a night out with friends, the movie offers plenty of fodder for shouted commentary and laughter. Its over‑the‑top moments are perfect for a group that enjoys shouting “Did you see that?” between bites of popcorn. Whether it will linger in conversation after the credits roll remains uncertain.
In short, Verity is a mixed bag: a glossy, camp‑laden thriller that occasionally forgets the rules of the genre it’s trying to subvert. Fans of the source material may find it a wild ride. Others might walk out wishing for a leaner, more focused story.
So, if you’re up for a film that swings between seductive intrigue and self‑aware absurdity, the October opening might be worth a ticket.
What to Expect After Opening Weekend
Box‑office numbers will likely hinge on how word‑of‑mouth spreads among the younger crowd that thrives on meme‑ready moments. Critics are already split, and the audience reaction could tip the scales for a longer theatrical run.
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