Verity (2026)

Verity (2026) is a psychological erotic thriller directed by Michael Showalter, adapted from Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel of the same name.

Main Cast

• Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh

• Anne Hathaway as Verity Crawford

• Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford

Plot Summary

The Proposition

Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer facing financial ruin, receives a career-defining job offer. Jeremy Crawford hires her to complete the remaining books of a massively popular thriller series created by his wife, Verity Crawford. Verity, a renowned author, was rendered catatonic and unable to write following a devastating car accident—a tragedy compounded by the recent deaths of the couple's twin daughters.

The Disturbing Discovery

To immerse herself in the project, Lowen moves into the Crawford family’s secluded home to sort through Verity's detailed notes. While sifting through files in Verity’s office, Lowen uncovers an unpublished autobiography on a flash drive—a deeply disturbing manuscript detailing Verity’s dark obsession with Jeremy, severe postpartum resentment, and a terrifying confession implicating herself in the death of one of her daughters.

Growing Suspicion and Passion

As Lowen reads deeper into the harrowing manuscript, she grows increasingly suspicious of Verity. Despite Verity’s seemingly unresponsive physical state, Lowen notices subtle signs suggesting the author may be faking her paralysis. Meanwhile, low-key manipulation, shared grief, and proximity draw Lowen and Jeremy into a passionate, secret affair. Driven by fear for Jeremy and his surviving young son, Crew, Lowen decides to reveal the terrifying manuscript to Jeremy.

The Climax and Twist

Upon learning the truth about his wife, a devastated and enraged Jeremy confronts Verity, exposing her deception and leading to a violent confrontation where Verity is killed.

Shortly after Verity's death, Lowen discovers a hidden letter left behind by Verity addressed to Jeremy. In it, Verity claims that the horrifying "autobiography" was merely a creative writing exercise—a dark persona technique suggested by her former editor to write better villains—and that she was forced to fake her injury to escape Jeremy's growing instability.

The Unresolved Ending

The story leaves both Lowen and the audience trapped in a chilling ambiguity: was the autobiography a true confession from a sociopathic mother, or was the letter a final, masterclass manipulation by a brilliant thriller writer? Unable to be sure of the truth, Lowen chooses to keep the letter hidden, remaining with Jeremy to live a life built on a terrifying unknown.