Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel deliver superb performances in David Lowery's psychological thriller 'Mother Mary', but the film's supernatural elements feel out of place. The movie, available to buy or rent on Sky Store, follows the titular pop singer (Hathaway) as she reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer Sam (Coel) on the eve of her comeback performance.
Flamboyant and Overstated Style
Lowery, known for 'A Ghost Story' and 'The Green Knight', presents an enigmatic tale filled with grandiose outfits that put Hathaway's 'Devil Wears Prada' wardrobe to shame, alongside inflated, often rhythmic dialogue. The film is flamboyant and overstated, with a supernatural element arriving in the final third, complete with blood red colours and fever-dream-like sequences.
Despite being a horror buff, the review finds the ghostly goings-on out of place and unnecessary. The movie works best when Hathaway and Coel face off and air their grievances, with Coel shining as Hathaway's character is a picture of guilt, sadness and emptiness.
Superb Co-Leads and Claustrophobic Tension
The film is not far off a two-hander, with both co-leads superb even when saddled with lines full of big words. The review draws comparisons to 'Smile 2', as Hathaway capably performs tunes on stage in eye-opening outfits while dealing with psychological damage. However, unlike that film, the evil presence here feels less clear and less belonging.
Most of the tale takes place in one dimly-lit location, adding to the claustrophobic tension. The standout moment sees Hathaway cruelly contort her body to painfully dance to no music while an increasingly stunned Sam looks on. The review concludes that more of this type of thing and less séances and spirits could have led 'Mother Mary' to the top of the psychological thriller charts.
