Movie Review: “Verity”
“Verity,” an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestseller, starts with a strange, almost romantic comedy vibe that quickly morphs into an unsettling thriller. Lowen (Dakota Johnson), a struggling writer, has a bizarre meet-cute when a bloody accident introduces her to Jeremy (Josh Hartnett), the handsome husband of the comatose author she’s meant to replace. This odd blend of fate sets off a twisted love triangle filled with tension.
Lowen heads to the eerie Crawford mansion to work on Verity’s (Anne Hathaway) latest book, while Verity lies unmoving in another room, tended by a suspicious nurse. As Lowen delves into Verity’s disturbing unpublished autobiography, an unsettling dynamic builds between her and Jeremy. Their flirtation feels forced and lacks chemistry, leading to awkward moments that fail to ignite any real passion or suspense.
Despite the potential for an exciting erotic thriller, the film falls flat. Johnson’s performance is monotonous, offering little depth to her character, while Hartnett fails to make a significant impact. The screenplay offers minimal engaging dialogue, relegating the characters to unremarkable archetypes.
The film’s only bright spot is Anne Hathaway as the pre-coma Verity; she leans into the role with delicious villainy, providing some much-needed intrigue. Director Michael Showalter introduces a few jump scares, yet fails to maintain any sustained thrills or meaningful tension.
Overall, “Verity” fails to deliver an enjoyable erotic thriller, leaving viewers with a sense of dissatisfaction and a longing for something more exhilarating. Instead of a gripping narrative, it feels stagnant and underwhelming, much like its titular character.
