Verity Review: A Sinister Psychological Thriller That Will Make You Question Everything

Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, Verity delivers a dark, unsettling story filled with secrets, obsession, and a shocking ending.

There’s something particularly unsettling about a psychological thriller that makes you question not only what you’re watching, but also what you believe to be true. I recently attended an advance screening of Verity, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson. And while I hadn’t read the book, I quickly discovered that going into this movie without knowing what to expect was part of the fun. Dark, wickedly sinister, and surprisingly sexy, Verity is the kind of movie that keeps you guessing about everyone’s motives.

A Story Built on Secrets

At the center of the story is a world where appearances are deceiving, relationships are complicated, and the truth is anything but straightforward. Anne Hathaway brings an unsettling presence to the film, while Dakota Johnson draws us into a mystery that becomes increasingly disturbing as the story unfolds. There are plenty of uncomfortable moments, some steamy scenes, and enough blood from bitten lips to remind me of a vampire movie. It’s an unusual combination of psychological suspense, erotic tension, and downright creepy behavior.

And just when you think you understand what’s happening, the story gives you another reason to reconsider.

That Ending!

Here’s where I have to admit that not having read the novel worked in my favor. I didn’t know what was coming. Without giving anything away, the ending genuinely shocked me. It also left me thinking about something far more disturbing than the events themselves.

How much do we really know about the people we live with and love?

Do we trust what they tell us? Do we question our own reality when something doesn’t feel right? And how easily can our perceptions be manipulated? Those are the questions Verity left me asking long after the credits rolled.

Anne Hathaway, Again? Yes, Please.

It seems Anne Hathaway is everywhere lately, and Verity gives audiences another opportunity to see her embrace a darker side. Her presence adds to the film’s unsettling atmosphere, making it difficult to decide what to believe and whom to trust. Dakota Johnson provides an interesting contrast, helping anchor a story that becomes increasingly twisted.

Suzette Valle at the screening of Verity

My Verdict

I enjoyed Verity. It’s entertaining, provocative, creepy, and filled with the kind of suspense that makes you want to discuss the ending with someone immediately afterward. Is it disturbing? Absolutely. But that’s part of its appeal.

Verity is now playing in theaters, just in time for spooky season. If you enjoy psychological thrillers filled with secrets, seduction, and unexpected twists, this one is worth checking out.

And my advice? If you haven’t read the book, go in knowing as little as possible. The ending is half the fun! If you haven’t read the book, you might want to see the movie before someone spoils the ending. My advice? Go in knowing as little as possible.

Release date: October 2, 2026
MPA rating: R — Sexual content, language, bloody images, some nudity and violence
Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes
Director: Michael Showalter
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, Josh Hartnett
Based on: The novel by Colleen Hoover

I attended an advance screening of Verity. These opinions are entirely my own.