Anne Hathaway has had a whirlwind 2026, both personally and professionally. With a baby on the way and five new films hitting screens, she's been everywhere. But her latest release, Verity, isn't getting the same love as her other projects this year.
The Colleen Hoover adaptation, which pairs Hathaway with director Michael Showalter (their second collaboration after The Idea of You), also stars Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett. It's been one of the most anticipated book-to-film conversions, especially after the success of It Ends with Us and other Hoover adaptations. Yet, as the review embargo lifted, the buzz turned sour.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Verity currently sits at a disappointing 43% from 54 reviews. That's a far cry from the critical acclaim Hathaway has enjoyed this year, from the massive success of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey—which has grossed over $1.7 billion worldwide and is a frontrunner for multiple Oscars, including a possible Best Supporting Actress nod for Hathaway—to the nostalgic reunion in The Devil Wears Prada 2.
Critics have been divided. Collider's Carly Lane gave it a 6/10, praising Hathaway's performance but noting the film plays it too safe, "afraid to go too campy, creepy, or even overtly erotic." ScreenRant's Liz Declan was more enthusiastic, calling it the "best Colleen Hoover adaptation yet," while CBR's Chris La Vigna echoed that Hathaway makes this "twisted thriller worth watching."
The mixed reception is a surprise given the talent involved. Hathaway has proven her thriller chops before, and Showalter has a knack for blending drama and humor. But Verity seems to have missed the mark for many, struggling to balance its dark source material with mainstream appeal.
For fans of the book, the film's restraint might be a letdown. The novel is known for its steamy, unsettling tone, and early reviews suggest the movie pulls its punches. That said, Hathaway's committed performance is a highlight, and the supporting cast—Johnson and Hartnett—bring their own intensity.
As Hathaway's year winds down, Verity might be a stumble, but it's hardly a career setback. With The Odyssey still in theaters and awards season looming, she's likely to be a major presence on the red carpet. And with The Devil Wears Prada 2 already a hit, her legacy is secure.
For those curious about other thrillers that nail the balance, check out our list of near-perfect thrillers or dive into books with jaw-dropping twists. And if you're a fan of Hathaway's work, you might want to revisit our full review of Verity.
Verity hits theaters this weekend. Whether it finds an audience remains to be seen, but for now, it's a rare misfire in an otherwise stellar year for one of Hollywood's most beloved stars.
