Critics Pans 'Verity' as a Stilted Adaptation Despite Star Power
Amazon MGM Studios' 'Verity,' an adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, has received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics who cite poor direction and a weak script. While the film features A-list stars Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, reviewers describe it as a listless erotic thriller that fails to capitalize on its premise. The film, directed by Michael Showalter, opens in theaters on October 2, 2026, following a New York premiere on September 29.
Key points
- The film 'Verity' is based on Colleen Hoover's 2018 novel and is directed by Michael Showalter.
- Anne Hathaway plays Verity Crawford, a paralyzed bestselling author, while Dakota Johnson plays Lowen, a ghostwriter.
- Critics from Variety and The Guardian panned the film's pacing, script, and direction, calling it a 'flat-footed dud.'
- The film was released in the UK and US on October 2, 2026, after premiering in New York on September 29.
- Production design and music received some praise, but the overall narrative was deemed underplotted and unconvincing.
Background
Prior to the wide release, 'Verity' had been in development with Colleen Hoover and director Michael Showalter working to adapt the novel, restoring erotic elements and removing subplots to improve momentum. The film had already premiered in London on September 24, 2026, and New York on September 29, 2026, where Anne Hathaway showcased her maternity style. Earlier coverage noted mixed reviews, with praise for the cast but criticism for the script.
How outlets are covering it
Variety's Guy Lodge described 'Verity' as a 'limp thriller' and a 'flat-footed dud,' criticizing director Michael Showalter for lacking feel for the erotic thriller genre and calling the film 'unintentionally funny.' He noted that the stars, including Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway, appeared 'embarrassed, confused or indifferent.' The Guardian's review echoed the criticism of the script, calling the third act 'substandard' and the narrative 'silly,' while acknowledging the 'dishy yet maybe problematic' appeal of the cast. In contrast, earlier coverage from Variety highlighted the collaborative effort between Hoover and Showalter to restore erotic elements and improve the story's momentum, suggesting a more positive intent behind the adaptation. The discrepancy between the intended restoration of eroticism and the critical reception of the final product highlights a gap between production goals and audience/critical expectations.
Why it matters
The poor reception of 'Verity' underscores the challenges of adapting popular novels into films, particularly when the source material's appeal does not translate to the screen. It also highlights the difficulty of balancing erotic content with narrative coherence in mainstream cinema, as seen in the film's failure to deliver on its premise despite high-profile casting and production value.
What to watch
The film is set to open in theaters on October 2, 2026, in the US and UK, and on October 1 in Australia. Box office performance will be a key indicator of how the film's critical reception translates to audience interest, especially given the success of previous Colleen Hoover adaptations like 'It Ends With Us.'
- Behind the scenes of ‘Verity’: Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson on improvising a 'sexy scene,' that headboard bite and more Yahoo
- Verity review – Dakota Johnson leaves teethmarks as she goes back to Fifty Shades erotic thriller territory The Guardian
- Pregnant Anne Hathaway Styles Her Baby Bump in Black Lace Mermaid Gown on the 'Verity' Premiere Red Carpet Yahoo
- ‘Verity’ New York City Premiere: Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway and More Celebrity Style, Photos WWD
- ‘Verity’ Review: Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway Drift Through Another Listless Colleen Hoover Adaptation Variety
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