Verity: Anne Hathaway Takes on a Dangerous New Thriller

Anne Hathaway’s 2026 has already included The Devil Wears Prada 2, The End of Oak Street and The Odyssey. Her next role places her at the centre of a far more intimate mystery: the potentially dangerous novelist Verity Crawford.

Based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, Verity follows injured bestselling author Verity Crawford, played by Hathaway. Her husband, Jeremy, portrayed by Josh Hartnett, hires struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, played by Dakota Johnson, to help complete Verity’s book.

As Lowen investigates Verity’s life and work, the arrangement becomes increasingly unsettling. Director Michael Showalter describes the film as an erotic, twisted and dirty thriller rather than a conventional blood-soaked slasher.

With the film due in Australian cinemas on 2 October, Showalter has discussed the story, the performers and Colleen Hoover’s contribution. The following answers avoid major spoilers while offering a clearer sense of what to expect.

What is Verity about?

“Verity is an erotic thriller; a twisted, dirty thriller, we like to call it. Three really interesting characters stuck in a house together. It’s a Colleen Hoover book, but it’s sort of a different genre than her other book adaptations. It’s sexy, and it’s scary, and it’s creepy and suspenseful.”

What attracted Showalter to the project?

Amazon executives showed Showalter the script, and he immediately responded to its story and unusual combination of ideas. He saw a highly visual world shaped by major tragedies, love affairs, violence and professional highs and lows.

Those competing elements were central to the appeal. For Showalter, the characters and their circumstances offered material he had not encountered in quite the same form before.

How involved was Colleen Hoover?

Hoover spent part of the shoot on set and worked with Showalter during pre-production. Their discussions covered the novel, her intentions and the process of adapting its key ideas for the screen.

She also contributed to the screenplay. Showalter describes her as a genuine collaborator who helped shape the film before and during production.

What makes Hathaway’s performance distinctive?

Showalter highlights Hathaway’s extraordinary commitment to her work. He says her dedication energised the production, alongside her acting ability and the qualities he values in her as a person and artist.

Will Hathaway’s fans be surprised?

Showalter believes they may be. Verity is an especially complicated character, requiring Hathaway to present several different versions of the woman at the centre of the story.

At some points, viewers may distrust Verity or even see her as the villain. At others, flashbacks invite the audience to share her journey. The film is designed to create conflicting impressions, leaving viewers unsure which version of Verity deserves their belief.

Release details

Verity is scheduled for a theatrical release on 2 October. For more entertainment and gaming coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog or browse the latest arcade videos.

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