Why Verity with Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway is really good

The moment I saw the trailer for Verity , I knew: I have to see this. But the reviews and reactions? They were quite, eh, mixed. Some found it fantastic and others terribly tame. Still, I raced to the cinema and can confidently tell you: you definitely have to see this film. Even if it's not for the steamy scenes, then it's definitely for those terrible jumpscares and the plot twist in the last five minutes of the erotic psychological thriller.

First of all: what is Verity about?

Verity It is, as the title suggests, partly about Verity (Anne Hathaway), but also about Lowen (Dakota Johnson). Both are writers. After an awkward but actually quite cute first meeting with her future employer, Verity's husband Jeremy (Josh Hartnett), Lowen is given the task plus a large sum of money to finish Verity's world-famous book series. Not because Verity is involved in some scandal or has writer's block, but because she can no longer write, talk, or move after a horrific car accident. Although the assignment overwhelms Lowen, she accepts it. It's a win-win situation: she gets a lot of money to pay off her deceased mother's debts, who was ill, and she becomes world-famous in one fell swoop.

To write the three books as well as possible, she moves in with Jeremy and his son Crew for a while to go through Verity's hundreds of notes and plans. What starts as an innocent dream opportunity quickly turns into a rollercoaster of terrifying moments and desire for Lowen. Because that life in Vermont, in that villa in the woods, with Jeremy and Crew suits her well. And Verity? That obstacle in Lowen's dream life turns out to be scarier than ever.

Why Verity is really good

I thought, when I saw the trailer, that this film would be a real blockbuster, but the reactions? They are really mixed. Although there were certainly some good reviews, the internet is full of negativity surrounding the film. Some say that there's little tension in it and others that the eroticism was hard to find. But I really don't agree with that. I went into the film with some mixed feelings: would it really be good? Is it really true that Dakota Johnson's performance is bad? And will it be scary? Fortunately for you, I can confirm that the film is good and scary and that Dakota Johnson's performance is not bad. Verity may not be the best film ever, but bad? Certainly not.

It's not the most thrilling psychological thriller ever, but the story is certainly present. Throughout the Colleen Hoover adaptation, you start to empathize with Lowen as she discovers Verity's dark secrets. You see the world around Lowen crumble as she falls deeper into Verity's pit. And boring? That word does not describe this film. It's precisely that slow build-up that makes the story more exciting. The calm ensures that the moments that are indeed terribly scary hit harder. There were a number of jumpscares that startled me so much that my popcorn almost ended up on the other side of the room. At one point, Lowen thinks she sees Verity when she gets closer to Jeremy. Verity is not a film where you are constantly afraid that someone is behind some door, but rather one that gives you the feeling that everything is fine again and then suddenly slams the door in your face.

The film is full of twists, even when you think it's over

Of course, every story has a plot twist, but Verity does it very well. Although you quickly realize that there are a lot of horrific thoughts in Verity's head, the revelations continue to surprise you. When you think you understand everything, Anne Hathaway's character surprises you again. And when you think you've had all the twists, another one shows up at your doorstep. Even in the very last minutes of the film, there's still a twist that turns the whole film upside down. Just for that reason, I would recommend you to run to the cinema tonight.

Who stars in Verity?

If this story hasn't convinced you to buy a ticket yet, then the cast list will. The actors are certainly not the least. The lead role, Lowen, is played by Dakota Johnson. She knows how to play a cool girl who actually resembles Verity quite a bit. Speaking of Verity: she is played by Anne Hathaway. After the successes with The Odyssey and The Devil Wears Prada 2 this is her last project for the time being. The next will be her third child, of which she is currently pregnant. Then there's something else beautiful to behold: Jeremy. He is portrayed by Josh Hartnett. He knows exactly how to play the good guy who has a surprisingly dark edge. Besides these lead roles, there are other familiar faces like Ismael Cruz Córdova as Corey and Alex Cooper and Sean Evens as themselves.

So. Are you in the mood for an erotic film that really makes you think? Then Verity is for you. This made such an impression that the drive home really could have used some cheerful music.

Image: Trailer Verity