Mother Mary Review: Anne Hathaway’s Pop Star Drama Is All Style No Substance

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The film Mother Mary, written and directed by David Lowery (The Green Knight), begins with a powerful monologue delivered by Michaela Coel as Sam Anselm. She speaks poetically about love and hate, intending the audience to connect these ideas to Anne Hathaway’s character, the singer Mother Mary. While Coel’s delivery is moving and the words themselves are lovely, their vagueness ultimately feels empty – a key weakness that unfortunately defines the entire film.

Lowery’s film centers on Mother Mary, a pop star (played by Hathaway) reconnecting with Sam, a fashion designer who knew her before she became famous – and with whom she had a falling out. While seemingly a simple story of reunion, the film tries to delve into the hidden life of a celebrity and how fame has damaged her sense of self and her relationships. However, the film relies heavily on symbolism, which may make its deeper meanings difficult for audiences to grasp.

Mother Mary Is Beautiful But Bogged Down In Metaphor

The conversations featuring Mother Mary are stunning. The script by Lowery allows Coel to deliver long, poetic speeches – her words are as artfully constructed as the beautiful dresses Sam designs. Coel’s emotionally powerful performance makes these lines incredibly moving, and they perfectly suit the film’s setting: a dilapidated building hidden behind Sam’s fashion studio. The overall effect is similar to the suspenseful, building tension found in the works of Edgar Allan Poe, culminating in a powerful climax.

Despite a strong start, the movie Mother Mary becomes confusing as it relies too heavily on symbolism. Around the midpoint, Mary directly asks Sam if she’s speaking figuratively and requests clear language. This moment signals a shift towards an abstract style where emotions, thoughts, and past trauma manifest as a literal haunting presence. The metaphors become overwhelming, making it hard to understand the film’s central message.

The movie might leave viewers puzzled and with many unanswered questions. For example, what was the true nature of the relationship between Mary and Sam? What is the significance of the spirit, and what does the ending imply for the characters? Ultimately, is what happens at the end literal, or is it symbolic?

Lowery’s film is open to many interpretations, and viewers who appreciate artistic filmmaking will likely enjoy it. However, those looking for clear answers or a straightforward plot might be disappointed. Ultimately, Mother Mary prioritizes atmosphere and visual style over a traditional narrative.

Mother Mary’s Stars Are Phenomenal

Despite its flaws, Mother Mary offers plenty to enjoy, particularly for fans eager to see Anne Hathaway as a pop star. She performs several songs throughout the film, providing her own vocals to a soundtrack crafted by Jack Antonoff and Charli XCX. While not a traditional musical, the film’s music is a highlight – though it doesn’t quite deliver a truly unforgettable hit like Charli XCX and John Cale’s “House” from the Wuthering Heights soundtrack.

Both Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel give compelling performances, often stealing the scene from each other. Coel’s character, Sam, has more dialogue and delivers lengthy monologues beautifully. Hathaway, on the other hand, relies more on physical acting. Her character, Mary, is so lost that she’s looking to Sam to rediscover who she is.

The connection between the two lead actors is what makes Mother Mary work. They beautifully portray the complex and emotional relationship between Sam and Mary, and their chemistry is the film’s strongest point. Even if some of the movie’s deeper themes are confusing, their performance will keep viewers engaged. While the film doesn’t quite stick the landing with its ending, the actors provide a powerful and moving core to the story.

Look, Mother Mary probably won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, even though the main character is clearly inspired by artists like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. But honestly, that’s perfectly fine! Hathaway and Coel give incredible performances, the movie is visually stunning and really gets under your skin, and it’s just full of this amazing, captivating energy. I think it’s going to build a really dedicated fanbase, and I’m excited to be one of them.

The film Mother Mary will first be shown in select theaters on April 17th, and then will be available in more theaters starting April 24th.

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2026-04-14 16:09