In the new film “Mother Mary,” Anne Hathaway plays the role of a global pop superstar whose persona and style strongly evoke elements associated with figures like Lady Gaga. The film, directed and written by David Lowery, centers on the complex relationship between the star, known as Mother Mary, and Sam Anselm, her British fashion designer, portrayed by Michaela Coel. Sam was not only the creative force behind Mary’s distinctive and visionary costumes but also her closest collaborator until their bitter split a decade ago.
The story unfolds when Mother Mary unexpectedly appears at Sam’s country estate, home of her fashion enterprise, requesting a new dress for an upcoming career-defining concert. The two retreat to Sam’s design studio, a stone barn behind the manor, where they engage in deep conversation about their partnership, their painful separation, and the complicated mixture of love and resentment that continues to bind them.
The film is structured primarily as an intimate two-hander, supplemented with flashbacks of Mother Mary’s performances before enthusiastic audiences. The dialogue-driven narrative allows both lead actors to deliver vivid, compelling performances. While Mary and Sam never explicitly confirm a romantic relationship, the film suggests an intense, possibly spiritual intimacy that transcends typical friendship.
Mary’s character embodies a fusion of a pop star and a nearly divine figure, incorporating religious iconography and theatrical extravagance into her public image. Her stage persona is marked by signature elaborate costume pieces, such as a halo-like neck-attached accessory, emphasizing her role as a symbol blending sanctity and sin. Meanwhile, Sam is portrayed as a visionary artist whose innovative designs have been integral to Mary’s identity and public persona. Michaela Coel brings a sharp, intense presence to the role, conveying both the pain and insight resulting from their traumatic split.
Central to the film’s themes is a new song composed by Mary, titled “Spooky Action,” referencing Einstein’s concept of quantum entanglement. This metaphor serves as a poetic device illustrating the enduring emotional connection between the two women despite their separation.
As the narrative progresses, the film shifts from its initially grounded drama into a more metaphysical realm, incorporating elements of spiritual séance, supernatural occurrences, and ghostly apparitions symbolized by a floating red organza fabric. This transition leads to a more ambiguous and abstract conclusion that some viewers may find challenging to interpret.
The film features additional concert sequences with music created by Jack Antonoff and Charli XCX. However, the soundtrack’s reception varies, with some critics finding the songs less impactful compared to the star power behind their creation.
“Mother Mary” explores themes of fame, creativity, artistic collaboration, and emotional betrayal, ultimately presenting a portrait of two remarkable women grappling with their intertwined pasts. While the film’s avant-garde elements and mystical turn may divide audiences, the performances of Hathaway and Coel and the intricate exploration of their characters’ history remain central to its dramatic core.
The film was reviewed following a screening at the Park Ave. Screening Room in New York on April 8, 2026. It is rated R with a runtime of 112 minutes and is produced by Homebird Productions and augenschein Filmproduktion, with distribution by A24. The creative team includes director and writer David Lowery, cinematographers Andrew Droz Palermo and Rina Yang, and music by Daniel Hart alongside Jack Antonoff and Charli XCX. Cast members include Hunter Schafer, Sian Clifford, Atheena Frizzell, and FKA twigs.
