Mother Mary Review: Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel in David Lowery's Pop Drama
This review critiques David Lowery’s film Mother Mary, describing it as a dour chamber piece that fails to capitalize on its stylish visuals and soundtrack featuring Charli XCX. The plot follows titular pop star Mother Mary, played by Anne Hathaway, who seeks a comeback after a mysterious hiatus. She approaches former partner and fashion designer Sam Anselm, portrayed by Michaela Coel, for a stage outfit. Despite Sam’s intense loathing for Mary, whom she calls a carcinogen, a supernatural pull leads her to create a costume in a gothic barn setting. The reviewer notes the film lacks self-awareness, contrasting it unfavorably with real-life pop stars like Lady Gaga. While Hathaway is convincing in flashback performance scenes choreographed to FKA twigs’ music, the film is criticized for being incomprehensible and overly pretentious. The narrative oscillates between fraught interpersonal drama and extravagant, Dalí-esque concert spectacles. Ultimately, the review suggests that despite high production values and strong acting performances, the movie suffers from ludicrous psychobabble and a lack of genuine insight into modern pop stardom, making it a missed opportunity rather than an award-worthy achievement.
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Mother Mary Review: Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel in David Lowery's Pop Drama
This review critiques David Lowery’s film Mother Mary, describing it as a dour chamber piece that fails to capitalize on its stylish visuals and soundtrack featuring Charli XCX. The plot follows titular pop star Mother Mary, played by Anne Hathaway, who seeks a comeback after a mysterious hiatus. She approaches former partner and fashion designer Sam Anselm, portrayed by Michaela Coel, for a stage outfit. Despite Sam’s intense loathing for Mary, whom she calls a carcinogen, a supernatural pull leads her to create a costume in a gothic barn setting. The reviewer notes the film lacks self-awareness, contrasting it unfavorably with real-life pop stars like Lady Gaga. While Hathaway is convincing in flashback performance scenes choreographed to FKA twigs’ music, the film is criticized for being incomprehensible and overly pretentious. The narrative oscillates between fraught interpersonal drama and extravagant, Dalí-esque concert spectacles. Ultimately, the review suggests that despite high production values and strong acting performances, the movie suffers from ludicrous psychobabble and a lack of genuine insight into modern pop stardom, making it a missed opportunity rather than an award-worthy achievement.
The Guardian