Dakota Johnson says thriller 'Verity' puts truth and trust to the test, much like real life
LONDON: Psychological thriller “Verity” taps into the real-world challenge of knowing what’s true and who to trust, actor Dakota Johnson said at the film’s UK premiere on Thursday. Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, the film follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, played by Johnson, who is hired to complete a series of books for renowned author Verity Crawford after an accident leaves…
At the UK premiere of psychological thriller "Verity," actor Dakota Johnson remarked that the film explores the real-world dilemma of discerning truth from deceit and determining who to trust. The movie, based on Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel, follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, portrayed by Johnson, who is tasked with completing a manuscript for renowned author Verity Crawford following an accident that leaves her unable to write.
As Lowen delves into the secluded estate of the Crawfords, she stumbles upon a manuscript that appears to be Verity's own life story. As dark secrets emerge, the boundary between truth and deception becomes increasingly confusing. Johnson described the film as "thrilling" and "sexy," noting that it constantly challenges viewers to discern who is good and who is bad, much like real life.
"The Big Sick" director Michael Showalter was drawn to the film's seductive yet darkly suspenseful atmosphere, feeling captivated by the alluring world Hoover created. Showalter appreciated the film's refusal to provide easy answers, preferring to leave viewers questioning who the true villains are. He hoped the open-ended nature of the story would spark debate among audiences.
"Oppenheimer" actor Josh Hartnett, who plays Verity's husband Jeremy, was intrigued by the film's refusal to spoon-feed its conclusions. He emphasized that many modern films fail to engage viewers, but he hopes "Verity" will encourage discussion and debate. Hartnett praised Johnson and Anne Hathaway's performances, expressing that the two actresses were "right up there with the very best in our industry."
Johnson, who finds the dark themes of the film captivating, shared that she loves playing villainous roles. Director Showalter revealed that Hoover stayed closely involved in the filmmaking process and even makes a cameo appearance. While the film remains faithful to the novel, it delves deeper into erotic themes. Showalter aimed to create a mainstream film that trusted audiences to engage with uncomfortable ideas, acknowledging that people can handle subjects that don't feel everyday. "Verity" will begin its global release on September 30.
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