Anne Hathaway Transforms Into Troubled Pop Icon in David Lowery’s ‘Mother Mary’
Published on Reflecto News | Entertainment | Film Review
Anne Hathaway dives deep into the chaotic world of pop stardom in David Lowery’s (A Ghost Story, The Green Knight) latest film, Mother Mary. Now playing in theaters nationwide, the A24 psychological drama follows a legendary but broken pop singer, Mother Mary, as she reunites with her estranted best friend and former costume designer Sam (Michaela Coel) on the eve of her high-stakes comeback performance. What unfolds is a surreal and spellbinding melodrama about fame, trauma, and the transformative power of art.
The Story: Eras, Estrangement, and Exorcism
The film opens with Sam sensing Mother Mary’s approach from a thousand miles away. When the superstar appears soaking wet and forlorn at Sam’s studio, she has one request: “I need a dress”. This simple plea kicks off a charged reunion more than a decade in the making.
As Sam reluctantly agrees to design a new look for Mary’s comeback show—a train made of fabric from each of her past eras—the two women are forced to confront the betrayals and wounds that drove them apart. Tensions simmer as Sam peppers Mary with questions, trying to determine if her old friend is truly seeking artistic reinvention or careening toward self-destruction.
The films draws clear parallels to real-life pop icons. Lowery freely cites Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” as visual inspiration, and the Mother Mary persona is a composite of Madonna’s boundary-pushing, Lady Gaga’s theatricality, and Swift’s devoted fan base. The character’s trademark halo and spiritual following suggest a pop star whose fame has taken on quasi-religious dimensions.
Performances: Hathaway’s Raw Vulnerability and Coel’s Surgical Precision
Critical praise has already begun to roll in for the two leads, with both actresses delivering career-defining work.
Anne Hathaway: A Believable Icon
Hathaway fully commits to the role, transforming into a believable pop superstar whose onstage power is immense but whose offstage presence is riddled with self-doubt and pain. The actress spent years in a “pop star boot camp” to master the vocals and performance style required for the role. She even re-recorded the entire soundtrack because she wanted to get the voice right.
The experience taught Hathaway that she herself would never want to be a real pop star. “I was like, wow, I am so not a pop star,” she told The New York Times, explaining that pop music requires an “effortless power” that doesn’t align with her own effort-driven personality.
Michaela Coel: The Scene-Stealer
While Hathaway gives an indelible performance, several critics agree that the film belongs to Coel (I May Destroy You). As the scorned designer forced to act as her former friend’s creative savior, Coel performs with the precision of an elite surgeon. “Mother Mary” is the story of an exorcism, and Coel plays the exorcist.
The two actresses worked with an intimacy coordinator on set, using breathing techniques to help them be fully present and vulnerable with one another in their scenes.
The Soundtrack: A Pop Powerhouse
The original songs in Mother Mary are not throwaway movie ditties. The soundtrack was produced by FKA twigs (who also co-stars in the film) and features songs written by pop hitmakers Charli xcx and Jack Antonoff. The music gives the film real pop bona fides, grounding Hathaway’s performance in authentic arena-ready anthems.
What the Critics Are Saying
Mother Mary is earning praise for its ambition and performances, even if some find its second half uneven.
| Publication | Grade/Critique | Key Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Herald | C+ | “A fitfully spellbinding chamber drama… the movie belongs to Coel.” |
| JustWatch | Positive | “Sensational performances… make it worth watching.” |
| Rolling Stone | Not graded | “A dark, pop-music-fuelled A24 drama.” |
The Boston Herald notes that the film works best in its less adorned moments, when Lowery simply lets Hathaway and Coel share a room and work through their past. As the movie grows abstract in its second half, it begins to lose momentum. However, the critics agree that the actors alone are enough to warrant a viewing.
Final Verdict
Mother Mary is not a typical ghost story, despite the A24 pedigree. It’s a gothic melodrama about the ghosts of betrayal and the exhausting pursuit of artistic reinvention. While the film gets lost in its own surrealism at times, Mother Mary is anchored by two powerhouse performances that make it a compelling watch for fans of art-house cinema and pop culture alike. If you appreciate movies like Black Swan or The Substance, this one is for you.
Final Thoughts
Mother Mary is a triumph for its stars, even if the film itself is occasionally uneven. Anne Hathaway proves once again that she can transform into any archetype—even a “troubled pop star,” a role she admits terrified her. And Michaela Coel solidifies her status as one of the most exciting actors of her generation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Anne Hathaway actually sing in Mother Mary?
Yes. Hathaway performs all the original songs in the film, which were written by Charli xcx, Jack Antonoff, and FKA twigs.
2. Who else stars in the film besides Hathaway and Coel?
The cast also includes Hunter Schafer, Kaia Gerber, Sian Clifford, and musician FKA twigs.
3. Is Mother Mary based on a true story?
No. However, the character of Mother Mary was inspired by several real-life pop icons, including Taylor Swift, Madonna, and Lady Gaga.
4. What is the release date for Mother Mary?
The film is currently in theaters nationwide as of April 24, 2026.