Mother Mary: David Lowery’s ‘Psychosexual Pop Thriller’ Echoes A24’s Boldest Visions
Prepare for a cinematic experience like no other as acclaimed director David Lowery (known for The Green Knight and A Ghost Story) unleashes his latest creation, Mother Mary. Described as a ‘psychosexual pop thriller,’ this highly anticipated film is already generating buzz reminiscent of the most compelling and artful releases often championed by studios like A24. With a powerhouse cast featuring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, coupled with an original score by music titans Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA twigs, Mother Mary is set to redefine genre boundaries.
A Haunting Premise: Pop Stardom Meets High Fashion
At its core, Mother Mary delves into the complex and often fraught relationship between a global pop star, Mary (played by the versatile Anne Hathaway), and her estranged fashion designer, played by the brilliant Michaela Coel. The narrative unfolds as the two reunite for the creation of a pivotal dress, a task that promises to unravel old wounds and ignite new tensions. Hathaway’s character has been teasingly referred to as a "Gaga-Taylor Swift hybrid" by Vogue, suggesting a fascinating blend of artistic ambition and mainstream appeal with a deeply personal edge.
A Dream Team Behind the Scenes
David Lowery, whose filmography spans from the fantastical Pete’s Dragon to the experimental A Ghost Story, brings his signature blend of poetic storytelling and psychological depth to Mother Mary. Production for the film commenced in Germany in May 2023, signaling a meticulously crafted vision that is slowly but surely coming to fruition.
The Sonic Soul: Music by Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA twigs
One of the most exciting aspects of Mother Mary is its original music, conceived and produced by an incredible trio: the innovative pop sensation Charli XCX, Grammy-winning maestro Jack Antonoff, and the ethereal FKA twigs. Anne Hathaway herself lends her vocals to the tracks, promising an authentic and immersive musical experience integral to the film’s narrative fabric. Charli XCX’s involvement alone suggests a soundtrack that will be as bold and boundary-pushing as the film itself.
Lowery’s Vision: "A Weird, Weird Film" Inspired by Classics
Lowery himself has candidly called Mother Mary a "weird, weird film," an endorsement that will undoubtedly pique the interest of cinephiles and fans of avant-garde cinema. He draws surprising inspiration from Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula and has even likened the intense production process to shooting Apocalypse Now. This level of dedication and ambition hints at a truly immersive and potentially unsettling journey for audiences.
"It is a movie I am sure will provoke a lot of strong feelings, in every possible direction," Lowery remarked last year. "It feels very true to who I am, and very close to me, but it is also consistently surprising me in ways that I did not anticipate."
Anticipation Builds: Release and Future Projects
The wait for Mother Mary will be a patient one, with its highly anticipated release slated for April 2026. Until then, both Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel have a busy slate of projects. Hathaway is set to appear in The Devil Wears Prada 2, the action-adventure Flowervale Street, Colleen Hoover’s adaptation Verity, and Christopher Nolan’s star-studded epic The Odyssey. Coel, following smaller roles in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Mr and Mrs Smith, stars alongside Ian McKellen in The Christophers and is working on her much-anticipated follow-up to I May Destroy You, titled First Day on Earth.
Why Mother Mary is a Must-Watch for Fans of A24-Style Cinema
With its unique blend of psychological depth, pop culture sensibility, and a director known for pushing creative boundaries, Mother Mary embodies the spirit of innovative storytelling that has come to define companies like A24. For those who crave films that challenge, provoke, and leave a lasting impression, this ‘psychosexual pop thriller’ starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel, with its groundbreaking musical score, is poised to be an unforgettable cinematic event of 2026. Keep an eye out for more details as this intriguing project develops!
