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‘Verity’ Movie Review: Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson Stumble Through a Corny Thriller
In the realm of film adaptations, viewers often find themselves undone in collective uniformity as they witness one individual’s interpretation of a narrative. This concept underpins the experience of Verity, based on the novel by Colleen Hoover. Unfortunately, director Michael Showalter’s adaptation veers from the nuanced complexities of its source material, opting instead for a sensationalist approach that ultimately detracts from the psychological depth of the story, blending over-the-top visuals and jump scares with a hollow portrayal of truth and manipulation.
Introduction to the Plot
As it unfolds, Verity introduces audiences to Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson), an aspiring author struggling to find her footing. Early in the film, she finds herself in a disturbing incident where she becomes an unwilling participant in a violent accident, covering herself in the blood of its victim. This unforeseen encounter sets her on a path that leads her to Jeremy Crawford (Josh Hartnett), the husband of the comatose bestselling author, Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway), who has requested Lowen to complete her unfinished novel. Set within the confines of Verity’s luxurious home, Lowen’s challenge is to piece together the fragmented narrative left by its original author in light of her accident that has left her unable to speak or move.
The Shallow Representation of Themes
As Lowen dives into the world of Verity’s writing, she stumbles upon an autobiographical piece that unveils disturbing secrets about Verity’s life, revealing her obsessive relationship with Jeremy and escalated disdain for their twin children. However, the screenplay penned by Nick Antosca fails to capture the complexity of these themes. Instead of delving into the rich emotional landscape that accompanies such dark revelations, the film delivers a string of direct assertions devoid of subtext, leading to a hollow emotional experience that perhaps mirrors the B-grade cinematic approach.
Missteps in Execution
Showalter’s direction appears dated, utilizing generic score sequences meant to evoke dread and tension but instead provoking laughter with their over-exaggeration. Viewers are treated to repetitive visual motifs, such as moments of Lowen in intimate situations—whether showering or eating—that seem to serve no purpose other than to cater to sensationalist standards. The film unwittingly drifts toward parody, mixing melodrama with unintentional humor, casting a shadow over what could have been a gripping thriller.
The lack of character depth is evident, as Lowen’s continued interactions with Jeremy showcase a shallow unfolding romance, while Verity’s comatose existence renders her as little more than a plot device. Johnson’s portrayal of Lowen feels flat, as she struggles to evoke genuine tension or vulnerability. Even a pivotal moment involving blood on her face leaves the viewer questioning the authenticity of her emotional response.
Character Dynamics and Performances
In a film that teases sizzling chemistry between its leading actors, Hathaway’s performance lacks the enigmatic warmth expected from her character, manifesting instead as disoriented within the fabric of the story. Hartnett, too, fails to assert a memorable presence. The dialogue between characters reflects an absence of depth, and the film leaves them floundering in a sea of vacuous interactions.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Ultimately, what Verity presents is a convoluted adaptation that aspires to be a thrilling exploration of truth but collapses under the weight of its mishandled narrative. Its purported climactic twist serves as a harbinger of false hope, leaving audiences yearning for coherence that never materializes. With an open ending prompting negotiation of its underlying themes, one may muse about better examples of this genre instead.
Set to release in theaters on October 2, Verity stands as a reminder of the perils of adaptation and the necessity of translating the emotional intricacies of literature with care and insight.
