Amazon MGM Studios has embraced the trend of adapting works by Colleen Hoover, with their latest project being the psychological thriller, Verity.
The narrative follows Lowen Ashleigh, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, a struggling writer who is engaged as a ghostwriter for the acclaimed author Verity Crawford, played by Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway. The story begins with Lowen taking on this enigmatic assignment at the behest of Verity’s husband, Jeremy, portrayed by Josh Hartnett.
As Lowen delves into Verity’s notes, she uncovers unsettling and autobiographical confessions that challenge her perceptions and provoke a moral dilemma.
Critics have offered a mixed bag of reviews for Verity. The film is described as a polished thriller, notable for its appealing cast and high production values. Viewers can expect an engaging experience that culminates in a suspenseful cliffhanger, which has been characterized as both scandalous and unexpectedly gratifying.
The Sydney Morning Herald described Verity as “ideal for these post-truth times,” while Mamamia referred to it as a “delicious” thriller. In contrast, The Nightly criticized the film as “diabolical,” expressing embarrassment for the high-profile actors involved, and even suggested it belonged in “straight to DVD territory.”
Following the success of previous adaptations, such as Reminders of Him (2026) and Regretting You (2025), Verity stands out as one of Hoover’s most talked-about works, coming after the much-discussed It Ends with Us (2024), which gained attention due to off-screen controversies involving its stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Books about writers have long captivated audiences, providing unique insights into the literary world. This genre allows authors to explore familiar themes while heightening narrative stakes, blending elements of reality and fiction that resonate with readers.
Colleen Hoover has established herself as a pioneer in modern publishing, being the first self-published author to top The New York Times bestseller list in 2012. Her novel Verity also reached the top spot in 2018, contributing to her reputation as a leading figure in indie publishing. With 16 romance novels already under her belt and millions of fans, Verity marks her venture into the thriller genre.
Director Michael Showalter aimed for a faithful adaptation of Hoover’s novel, stating, “The book is a big hit, people love it, so let’s make a movie out of the book. My approach was to do it the way it was in the book wherever possible, allowing audiences to experience a true adaptation.”
Verity is currently showing in theaters.
