Verity (2026) review: worth watching

Verity is a crime thriller directed by Michael Showalter, based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel. It stars Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett in a mystery about a writer's dark secrets and the woman hired to finish her manuscript. The film landed a 31% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics—a rough landing for a prestige cast and a built-in fanbase.

What it's about

Hoover's novel follows a struggling writer who takes a job ghostwriting for a famous author. As she digs into the author's unfinished manuscript, she uncovers a series of shocking revelations that blur the line between fiction and reality. The premise is solid: a slow-burn mystery with reversals designed to keep you guessing. On paper, it sounds like the kind of twisty thriller that should work.

Watch it: Verity by Colleen Hoover (Paperback) on Amazon (Read the source material that inspired the film; the novel's emotional core is stronger than the movie adaptation.)

What critics are saying

The critical consensus is blunt: the film bites off more than it can chew. Reviewers say the multiple plot twists feel forced rather than earned, and the pacing stumbles trying to service them all. The bigger problem is that the ending—which depends entirely on those reversals landing—doesn't justify the setup. Critics describe it as convoluted and ultimately hollow, a story that mistakes shock value for substance.

The performances don't save it. Hathaway and Johnson are solid actors working with material that doesn't give them much to do but react to reveals that audiences see coming from a mile away.

The Hoover adaptation problem

This is the third major Hoover adaptation in recent years, following It Ends with Us and Reminders of Him. The pattern is clear: her novels' emotional core and character work translate well to the screen, but her plot mechanics—especially the twist-heavy ones—don't. Verity is twist-dependent in a way her other adaptations weren't, and it shows. The book's fans know what's coming; everyone else will see it anyway.

Who this is for

If you've read the book and loved it, you might want to see how Showalter visualizes it. If you're a Hathaway or Johnson completist, go ahead. If you're looking for a solid mystery thriller, there are better options out there right now.

Where to watch

Verity is in theaters now. Check your local listings for showtimes and availability.

The bottom line

A 31% critical score is a warning sign, and this one earned it. The film tries to be clever and ends up being frustrating instead. Save your money for something that actually sticks the landing.

Quick answers

Is this worth watching in 2026?

No. Critics say the twists feel forced and the ending doesn't justify the setup. Unless you're a devoted Hoover fan, skip it.

How does it compare to other Colleen Hoover adaptations?

It's weaker than <em>It Ends with Us</em>. Hoover's character work translates well to film, but her plot reversals don't—and <em>Verity</em> relies on them entirely.

Do Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson carry the film?

They're competent, but the material doesn't give them much to work with. Both are reacting to plot twists rather than building real characters.

Will I see the ending coming?

Probably. Critics say the reversals are predictable, and fans of the book already know what happens.