In a thrilling adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s psychological novel, “Verity,” leading actress Anne Hathaway has praised co-star Dakota Johnson for an unforgettable moment captured on film during a recent New York City premiere. The event, held on September 29, revealed the suspenseful essence of the movie set to be released on October 2, 2026.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/dakota-johnson-anne-hathaway-093026-10c42b6eb5e045e5acc4917b6e0db009.jpg)
Speaking to reporters, Hathaway praised a particularly chilling scream delivered by Johnson, calling it a defining highlight of the film. This sentiment was echoed by director Michael Showalter, who previously described the film as carrying erotic undertones. The film explores themes of obsession, a hallmark of Hoover’s storytelling, with Hathaway portraying the elusive author Verity Crawford and Johnson stepping into the shoes of Lowen, a struggling writer who finds herself involved in an unsettling narrative.
Showalter noted in a recent interview that the film would feature an improvised make-out scene between Johnson and Hathaway that deviates from the source material. Hathaway, with a blend of humour and enthusiasm, claimed credit for pitching the idea, jokingly suggesting that the only improvised element might have been Johnson’s scream at the end of the scene. “I hope this is how it happened. It wound up in the movie,” Hathaway remarked, clearly pleased about how the shoot unfolded.
This creative decision drew from moments in the novel where the characters connect intimately. Showalter elaborated on this, revealing that he recognised the potential for heightened tension in a passage describing an intimate hug. He felt that the scene had a sexual undertone that could be explored further, leading to the on-screen chemistry between the characters. Johnson’s character, Lowen, is depicted as a woman who takes bold steps to pursue what she desires, which adds a transgressive element to the film.
In the narrative, Lowen’s encounter with Jeremy Crawford, played by Josh Hartnett, is pivotal. She is presented with an opportunity to complete a series initiated by his wife, Verity, who has recently suffered a life-altering accident. However, as Lowen delves deeper into Verity’s world, she uncovers unsettling secrets through an unpublished manuscript which reveals sinister undercurrents.
“Verity” stands as a notable addition to the recent adaptations of Hoover’s works, with this film following the releases of “It Ends with Us” in 2024 and “Regretting You” the previous year. Showalter, who directed Hathaway in “The Idea of You,” has clearly embraced the challenges of adapting Hoover’s narratives to screen, ensuring fidelity to the emotional complexities while introducing new cinematic elements.
Amidst the film’s darker themes, Hathaway, who is currently expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman, expressed that her personal stability allowed her to engage deeply with the material. “I’m deeply into my marriage and my kids,” she shared on the red carpet, expressing confidence in her surroundings that included familiar collaborators from previous projects.
“Verity” marks the culmination of Hathaway’s prolific year in cinema, coming on the heels of several high-profile roles including “Mother Mary,” “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” “The Odyssey,” and “The End of Oak Street.” Her ability to navigate complex characters while balancing motherhood adds a compelling chapter to her career.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, both Hathaway’s and Johnson’s performances promise to anchor this thrilling narrative, drawing in audiences eager to explore the depths of obsession and the complexities of human connections. With its release just around the corner, “Verity” is poised to captivate audiences and reinforce Hoover’s hold on the cinematic landscape.