Anne Hathaway has had a whirlwind year, dominating theaters with a string of high-profile releases. But one of her most intriguing projects, the psychological thriller Mother Mary, initially slipped under the radar. Now, it's getting a well-deserved second act on streaming.
Released in a limited theatrical run back in April, Mother Mary barely made a splash at the box office, pulling in just $3 million against a $20 million budget. The A24 film, directed by David Lowery, follows Hathaway as a pop star forced to confront the ghosts of her past. Despite a stellar supporting cast including Michaela Coel, Hunter Schafer, and FKA Twigs, the movie earned mixed reviews, with a 69% Rotten Tomatoes score. It seemed destined to be a footnote in Hathaway's otherwise blockbuster year.
But streaming has a way of resurrecting overlooked gems. As of this week, Mother Mary has climbed into the top 10 most-watched movies on HBO Max globally, proving that audiences are finally giving it the attention it deserves. It's a classic case of a film finding its audience after the theatrical window closes.
A Year of Extremes for Anne Hathaway
Hathaway's 2026 has been nothing short of extraordinary. She's starred in films that have collectively grossed over $2.6 billion worldwide, a career milestone. On top of that, she's expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman, making this one of the busiest and most personal years of her life.
Her most recent theatrical outing, Verity, the latest Colleen Hoover adaptation, continued the author's box office dominance. Despite scathing reviews—one critic called it "afraid to go too campy, creepy, or even overtly erotic"—the film turned a $40 million budget into $172 million globally. It's a pattern that's become familiar with Hoover's adaptations: critics may scoff, but audiences keep showing up.
Yet it's Mother Mary that's now capturing streaming viewers' attention. The film's slow-burn tension and Hathaway's layered performance are finding new appreciation among subscribers looking for something more cerebral than the typical blockbuster fare. For fans of top-tier thriller storytelling, it's a must-watch.
The Odyssey Effect
Of course, Hathaway's biggest triumph this year is Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, where she plays Penelope. The epic has grossed a staggering $1.8 billion worldwide and is already being tipped for multiple Oscar nominations, including a possible Best Supporting Actress nod for Hathaway. Her portrayal of the loyal and grieving queen has been widely praised as one of the film's standout elements.
That Oscar buzz may be helping Mother Mary as well, as viewers seek out more of Hathaway's work. The film's resurgence on HBO Max is a testament to her range as an actress, from mythic queen to troubled pop star.
If you haven't seen Mother Mary yet, now is the perfect time to catch it on HBO Max. And for those who prefer their thrills in series form, check out our list of flawless thriller series or dive into From's record-breaking Netflix debut.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Mother Mary and all your favorite streaming hits.
