Verity sees Dakota Johnson play Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling author hired to finish a bestselling series for Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway), who has supposedly been left catatonic following a car accident. After moving into Verity’s secluded home, Lowen discovers a disturbing autobiographical manuscript that raises questions about Verity’s marriage to Jeremy (Josh Hartnett) and her feelings towards her children. As Lowen grows closer to Jeremy, she becomes increasingly uncertain whether the manuscript reveals the truth or is an elaborate work of fiction.
Hathaway is the standout, bringing an unsettling presence to a story filled with obsession, infidelity and family secrets. The attractive cast and picturesque setting provide an entertaining contrast to the characters’ increasingly questionable behaviour. Unfortunately, the twists become wildly implausible, while the nearly two-hour running time makes the film feel longer than necessary. Nevertheless, there is enough outrageous drama to keep fans of Colleen Hoover’s novel entertained. Verity is ridiculous, over-the-top fun, even if most of it will be forgotten by the following day.
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