The cinematic adaptation of Colleen Hoover's psychological thriller Verity has officially arrived in theaters, starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson. While the film follows the core premise of Lowen Ashleigh moving into the Crawford residence, director Michael Showalter and author Colleen Hoover have confirmed several key departures from the original text.
The fight to preserve the "antagonistic journaling" twist
Director Michael Showalter revealed in an interview with ScreenRant's Liam Crowley that the film's central plot device was nearly lost during the writing process . The concept of "antagonistic journaling"—a technique where a writer adopts a villainous persona to explore dark themes—was considered too esoteric for some early script drafts. Showalter ultimately fought to keep the twist, arguing that the idea of a manuscript being a mere writing exercise rather than a confession is a "muscular Hollywood ending" that no audience member could predict.
This specific narrative device is what drives the suspense for Lowen Ashleigh as she uncovers the manuscript. The tension relies on the audience's ability to discern whether the text is a genuine confession of heinous acts, such as the death of Verity's daughter, Harper, or simply a creative exercise in dark storytelling.
Why Lowen Ashleigh keeps the letter in her pocket
A major point of contention for fans of the novel is the film's decision to alter the protagonist's final actions. In the original book, Lowen destroys the incriminating letter to protect her future with Jeremy. However, as reported by ScreenRant, the movie opts for a more ambiguous conclusion. Showalter explained that the letter remains in Lowen's pocket at the end of the film, a choice inspired by the psychological tension found in The Tell-Tale Heart.
This change shifts the tone of the ending from one of definitive closure to one of lingering dread. by keeping the evidence physically close to her, the character of Lowen is left in a state of perpetual tension with the truth she has uncovered.
Anne Hathaway’s Verity Crawford and the meta-narrative detour
The film expands on the themes of deception by incorporating a meta-moment that highlights the manipulative nature of the titular character. The production includes a sequence where Verity Crawford, played by Anne Hathaway, discusses her habit of tricking her audience. This addition reinforces the central tension of the plot: the struggle to discern truth from carefully constructed fiction.
This moment serves to deepen the characterization of Verity, even as the story explores her alleged role in the family's tragedies. It reminds the viewer that in a world of psychological thrillers,the narrator—or the subject of the narration—is rarely a reliable source of truth.
The ambiguity of Lowen's complicity in the Crawford household
Despite the high-stakes drama,the film leaves several critical questions regarding the character's morality unaddressed. While Colleen Hoover suggested that Lowen's pregnancy might drive her to accept a "dream life" despite the evidence, the film does not explicitly confirm her level of awareness. It remains unverified whether Lowen truly believes the manuscript was a creative exercise or if she is actively participating in a lie to maintain her status with Jeremy.
The film's refusal to provide a definitive resolution forces viewers to decide for themselves if Lowen is a victim of deception or a willing participant in the Crawford family's secrets. This open-endedness ensures that the psychological impact of the story persists long after the credits roll.
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