‘Verity’ Review: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett Try and Fail to Slink Their Way Through a Dumb Mystery

The recent film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's "Verity" has hit theaters, presenting a twisty and tawdry tale of two authors. Directed by Michael Showalter, the movie distinguishes itself from happier endings seen in other works like "Regretting You." The film explores a world where sexiness is necessary and relies on the performances of its leads and the attractiveness of the actors.

Anne Hathaway plays Verity Crawford, an ailing author seeking a ghostwriter, while Dakota Johnson's Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling author on the brink of losing her home. Josh Hartnett portrays Jeremy, a boy caught in love triangles with both Verity and Lowen. The film's premise is not entirely serious, and it often matches its energy, although it occasionally lands awkwardly.

Hathaway's performance as Verity is described as "camp light," with a cadence in her voice that makes her words seem insincere. Josh Hartnett's portrayal, on the other hand, is endearing, though his motives may not always be clear. Dakota Johnson has displayed her sex appeal in previous films, and Showalter capitalizes on it in "Verity."

The film boasts a runtime of nearly two hours, with several twists that keep the audience guessing. Despite its issues, "Verity" aims to spark conversation among viewers, even if it may not hold everyone's attention.