by Henry Pham
David Lowery is one of the most signature filmmakers for A24. Mother Mary focuses on the titular character, a singer and pop icon, but has stepped away from the music scene due to a personal and artistic crisis. Determined to make a comeback, she decides to embark on a tour with a headline-grabbing opening date and begins making preparations. As the show’s debut date approaches, she realises that the dress chosen for the opening performance does not fully represent her. With that, she decides to recruit Sam Anselm, a world-renowned costume designer with whom she shared a close friendship before her rise to pop stardom.
Anne Hathaway, an Academy Award winner for Les Misérables, stars as Mother Mary, a musician whose career is derailed by personal crisis and uncontrollable circumstances. Seeking a return to music, she plans a comeback tour with the support of her friend, acclaimed costume designer Sam Aneslm (Michaela Coel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever). Hathaway and Coel deliver compelling performances, conveying their characters’ anxieties and internal conflicts as they navigate their responsibilities and confront their pasts.
In most of the film, Hathaway stands out, drawing inspiration from musical artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, and she has demonstrated her acting ability and professionalism, as she has in her previous musical roles. Her movies centered on costumes and fashion design also stand out in her career. Coincidentally, she will be reprising her role in the upcoming film, The Devil Wears Prada 2, a sequel to the first film.
David Lowery, known for directing A Ghost Story, Disney’s Pete’s Dragon, and The Green Knight,directs, produces, and writes this film. The narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, centering on the ambitions of Hathaway and Coel’s characters. Filmed at a secluded English countryside residence, the setting provides a quiet (though strong) backdrop for the characters to confront past traumas and conflicts. As the story develops, their relationship escalates into a violent and psychologically charged confrontation, marked by unsettling imagery such as a red fabric surrounding Mother Mary.
Lowery draws on his experience from A Ghost Story to explore the complex dynamic between two women united only by their connection to art. The film’s musical highlights come from FKA Twigs, Jack Antonoff, and Charli XCX, whose contributions enhance the authenticity of Mother Mary’s character. Bina Daigeler’s vibrant costume design is also noteworthy and merits Oscar-sized recognition. However, this dull plot line and its slow pacing in this 112-minute movie prevented me from giving it a higher grade in terms of providing entertainment.
Anne Hathaway’s glamorous performance, costume design, and ambition collide in this psychological thriller in Mother Mary. It feels like watching a musical documentary or a live musical concert, but it’s not. While the musical numbers and scenes are the major highlights, the chemistry between Hathaway and Coel is crucial. I enjoyed the duo’s acting performance, but Hathaway is what makes this film interesting to watch. She is one of my favorite actresses, along with Heather Locklear and a few others. If you love Anne Hathaway, then this movie is meant for you. Since the film is R-rated and contains violence, blood, nudity, and language, I suggest not taking your kids with you to the movie theater.
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