Dakota Johnson uncovers dark secrets in 'Verity' trailer opposite Anne Hathaway
Washington, April 28
Amazon MGM Studios has released the first teaser for 'Verity', offering a chilling glimpse into the psychological thriller adapted from Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel.
Starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, the film is set for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026.
Directed by Michael Showalter, the film follows Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson), a struggling writer hired to complete a successful book series after its author, Verity Crawford (Hathaway), is left incapacitated following a car accident.
As Lowen moves into the Crawford home, she becomes entangled with Verity's husband, Jeremy, played by Josh Hartnett, and stumbles upon an unfinished manuscript that hints at disturbing truths.
The teaser, which debuted at CinemaCon and was released on April 28, 2026, signals a stark tonal shift from previous Hoover adaptations, leaning into what has been described as a dark, "gothic psychosexual" atmosphere, as per Deadline.
The footage outlines the central premise: Lowen is brought in by Jeremy to finish Verity's books, but her stay at the Crawford estate quickly turns unsettling. She discovers a manuscript filled with chilling confessions about Verity's past, her motherhood, and her marriage.
The trailer also teases a complex dynamic between Lowen and Jeremy, hinting at a growing romance overshadowed by paranoia.
In one striking moment, a kiss between the two abruptly shifts, revealing Verity in Jeremy's place, smirking as they pull apart.
Tension escalates further with a violent confrontation, as Verity, previously believed to be bedridden, attacks Lowen, biting her and drawing blood. The teaser concludes with a chilling declaration from Lowen, "I'm going to take it from you. All of it".
Alongside Hathaway, Johnson, and Hartnett, the film features Ismael Cruz Cordova, Brady Wagner as Crew Crawford, and podcaster Alex Cooper. Hoover also serves as a producer on the project.
With its unsettling visuals and layered narrative, Verity positions itself as a darker, more suspense-driven entry in the growing slate of Colleen Hoover adaptations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who read the book, I'm cautiously optimistic. The 'unfinished manuscript' angle is perfectly creepy, and Josh Hartnett as the husband? Perfect casting. But I hope they don't sanitize the darker elements for a wider audience. Let it be unsettling.
The kiss scene where Verity replaces Jeremy in the trailer is straight-up nightmare fuel. Hathaway playing a 'bedridden' sociopath who's actually scheming? That's award-bait material. Also, Alex Cooper cameo? Unexpected but I'm here for it.
Okay, but why does every thriller now have a 'struggling writer uncovering dark secrets' premise? It's been done to death. However, the gothic atmosphere and Hathaway's presence might elevate it. I'll give it a chance, but the trailer felt a bit disjointed.
Colleen Hoover's books are like potato chips - you can't stop at one. But 'Verity' is a whole different beast. The teaser's 'psychosexual' description makes me wonder how bold they'll go. Also, Dakota Johnson's final line 'I'm going to take it from you' gave me goosebumps. 2026 can't come soon enough!
I'm a bit tired of these 'dark secrets in a big house' tropes. But Anne Hathaway is a powerhouse - she can sell any role. The biting scene looks intense. Hope the writing matches the visuals. Also, why release it in October? Perfect spooky season timing.
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