Mother Mary: The Truth Behind Anne Hathaway’s Pop Drama

An Exciting New Film to Watch

If you enjoyed The Idea of You, there’s a new film that should definitely be on your list. This time, Anne Hathaway takes on the role of a pop star in an upcoming movie titled Mother Mary. The production has officially wrapped, and it’s directed by David Lowery, known for his work on films like Pete’s Dragon (2016), The Green Knight (2021), and Peter Pan & Wendy (2023). The film is co-financed by Topic Studios and A24, with A24 handling its distribution. Described as an ‘epic pop melodrama’, the film features a stellar cast and promises to be a unique cinematic experience.

What You Need to Know About Mother Mary

Mother Mary was first announced back in March 2023, with Anne Hathaway and British actor-writer Michaela Coel joining the project from the beginning. Hathaway shared on Instagram that filming had concluded, calling the experience “one of the most extraordinary, transformative experiences I have ever had.”

Michaela Coel, best known for writing and starring in I May Destroy You, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award, is also working on another series called First Day on Earth. It seems she is making a strong return to the spotlight. Hunter Schafer, known for her role in Euphoria, completes the trio of leading women. During the red carpet event for The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Schafer expressed her excitement about the film, telling IndieWire: “It was a lot of fun and I think people are going to be mind-blown.”

Michaela Coel as Sam Anselm & Anne Hathaway as Mother Mary in Mother Mary. (Frederic Batier/A24)

The Storyline

Mother Mary explores the glitzy world of celebrity, focusing on the titular iconic popstar, Mother Mary (played by Hathaway), who has built a larger-than-life persona throughout her decades-long career. Think of stars like Cher and Madonna. In a moment of crisis, on the eve of a comeback performance, Mother Mary reconnects with her estranged best friend and former costume designer, Sam Anselm (Coel), forcing long-buried issues to resurface.

The film draws on writer-director Lowery’s own love for pop music and is described as a dreamlike flick with surreal horror elements. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring songs written by Charli xcx, Jack Antonoff, and FKA Twigs, who also stars in the film.

Does Anne Hathaway Sing?

Taking on the role of a popstar requires more than just acting skills. Hathaway underwent extensive training for Mother Mary, including voice and dance lessons. In the trailer, we see her performing on stage, dancing trancelike surrounded by backing dancers, singing a new track called ‘My Mouth Is Lonely For You’, written by FKA Twigs.

Hathaway reportedly trained in dance and movement until her legs were numb, working with choreographer Dani Vitale, who has worked with Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Halsey. She explained: “Before I learned my lines, I had to figure out a way to dance as Mother Mary because so much of her expression is through movement.”

Kaia Gerber, Sian Clifford & Anne Hathaway in Mother Mary. (Frederic Batier/A24)

Who Will Star?

The film features an all-women cast, including:

Anne Hathaway as Mother Mary
Michaela Coel as Sam Anselm
Hunter Schafer as Hilda, Sam’s assistant
FKA Twigs as Imogen
Atheena Frizzell as Emily
Kaia Gerber as Nikki
Jessica Brown Findlay as Tessa
Sian Clifford as Jade
Alba Baptista as Miel Contrera
Isaura Barbé-Brown as Kyla

Where Was It Filmed?

Mother Mary was filmed in Germany, starting in May 2023. Hathaway confirmed in July 2024 that filming had wrapped. The concert scenes were shot in London’s Hyde Park, with 400 extras watching as Hathaway performed as Mother Mary. She shared her experience: “I did everything I could to give them a genuine experience – it was amazing to receive their energy back.”