“Verity” Ending Explained: Is the Manuscript or the Letter Real?

Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett star in the new psychological thriller “Verity,” which hit UK cinemas on October 2nd. Drawing inspiration from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel of the same name, the film has taken a suspenseful journey that seamlessly combines elements of mystery, domestic drama, and psychological tension.

The plot centres around Verity Crawford, portrayed by Hathaway, a once-acclaimed author who has slipped into a coma following a tragic car accident. Her husband, Jeremy Crawford, played by Hartnett, employs Lowen Ashleigh, a burgeoning writer embodied by Johnson, to come to their isolated New England home and complete Verity’s unfinished book series, “Noble Virtues.”

As Lowen settles into her task, she becomes increasingly embroiled in the strange circumstances surrounding Verity’s condition. Although initially exploring Verity’s notes and manuscripts, Lowen uncovers a deeply unsettling autobiography purportedly penned by Verity. The revelations within the manuscript paint a dark portrait of Verity as a resentful mother, suggesting that her children had become a source of jealousy rather than joy.

Compounding these ethical dilemmas, Lowen grows emotionally closer to Jeremy, adding layers of tension and complexity to the unfolding narrative. As the plot thickens, Lowen’s understanding of Verity is challenged, leading her to question the very fabric of reality surrounding Verity’s health and motives.

The film’s climax arrives when Lowen confesses to Jeremy that the manuscript indicates Verity may have been responsible for the tragic death of her child, Harper. In a fit of fury, Jeremy confronts his wife, who reveals that she has been feigning her comatose state in a bid to escape from a life filled with deception and turmoil. As the confrontation spirals out of control, Jeremy smothers Verity, making it clear that he believes he is enacting justice for their daughter.

In an intricate twist, Lowen helps cover up the crime, leading investigators to believe that Verity had accidentally drowned. However, the story does not end there. Lowen’s discovery of a letter hidden within the cottage brings everything into question. In the letter, Verity claims that her manuscript is a fictional piece, a therapeutic declaration to navigate her grief, presenting herself as loving and nurturing rather than culpable.

The film expertly navigates the ambiguity surrounding truth and deception. Just as audiences and Lowen begin to believe they have a grasp on the reality of Verity’s actions, the revelations spark doubt about Jeremy’s character and intentions. The ending remains open-ended, leaving viewers pondering whether Verity was indeed a victim or a manipulator.

In a thought-provoking twist, Lowen’s fate intertwines with Jeremy’s. Months following the events, they prepare to start a new chapter in their lives, with Lowen pregnant with Jeremy’s child. Yet, the shadow of the past looms large as she grapples with the implications of Verity’s letter. Choosing to conceal the truth, Lowen burns the letter, vowing to build a life with Jeremy while still wrestling with her own moral complexity.

Interestingly, the film remains faithful to many aspects of Hoover’s original novel, with minor changes regarding character details primary to bear in mind. While the book describes the Crawfords having three children, the film narrows this down to two, likely to maintain the pacing. Notably, elements like Lowen’s menacing sleepwalking scenes are omitted, focusing instead on the psychological undercurrents driving the narrative.

Colleen Hoover herself expressed uncertainty about the authenticity of Verity’s claims, a sentiment that resonates throughout the film. Such ambiguity acts as a clever narrative device, continually inviting speculation and conversation about the characters’ motivations and guilt.

In a world where truth can be as layered as fiction, “Verity” leaves audiences reflecting on the intricacies of human relationships and the haunting nature of secrets. The film navigates love and obsession with finesse, ensuring that the viewer is left at the edge of their seat until the very last frame.