The psychological thriller "Verity," starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett, is scheduled for theatrical release on Friday, Oct. 2. Based on the novel by Colleen Hoover, the film is directed by Michael Showalter and produced by Amazon MGM Studios. The story follows a writer who discovers a hidden document while ghostwriting for a renowned author who is unable to communicate after an accident.
The production follows a series of adaptations of Hoover’s work, including "It Ends With Us," "Regretting You," and "Reminders of Him." The film features Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, a New York-based author facing financial difficulties, who is offered $250,000 to complete three books over a two-year period for the injured Verity Crawford, played by Hathaway. Hartnett portrays Jeremy Crawford, Verity's husband, who manages the household and their son, Crew, in a home overlooking a lake.
The plot centers on Lowen's discovery of a hidden autobiography on a thumb drive in Verity's office. The document contains secrets regarding Verity’s marriage and past. The film’s narrative utilizes flashbacks and narration by Hathaway to detail the character's history, while the present-day setting involves Lowen becoming suspicious that the paralyzed Verity may be monitoring her movements. The film has a running time of 114 minutes and is rated R for sexual content, nudity, language, and violence.
For the general public, the film offers an example of the "ghostwriter" profession, as the protagonist is contractually obligated to finish another author's work for a specified six-figure sum. Viewers in the United States will notice the film's presence in theaters starting Oct. 2. The production's success or failure may influence how studios like Amazon MGM prioritize future adaptations of popular romance and thriller novels.
The film's performance may also be noted for the casting of Hathaway in a role that is largely non-verbal. Following the Oct. 2 theatrical opening, the film is expected to move to digital and streaming platforms, though specific dates for that transition have not been reported.
What happens next: The film opens in theaters on Oct. 2. No specific dates for home media release or streaming availability have been announced yet. The film will be evaluated by audiences and critics during its initial theatrical run.