A24’s “Mother Mary”: Anne Hathaway, Michaela Coel, and a Potentially Devilish Drama

A24 just dropped the trailer for “Mother Mary,” and it’s not what I expected. No sentimental romance or jump-scare horror here. It leans more toward a simmering, seductive unease. Anne Hathaway plays a pop star, also named Mother Mary, seeking creative redemption with her former costume designer, played by Michaela Coel.

The setup is intriguing. Hathaway’s character needs a killer look for her comeback. She turns to Coel’s character, Sam, despite their obviously fractured history. This is where the A24 touch comes in. The trailer hints at something darker – maybe even supernatural. There’s that classic line, “We have a connection and I can’t explain it,” which could mean anything, really, but suggests something beyond the ordinary.
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David Lowery (“The Green Knight”) directs, adding another layer of interest. The cast also includes Hunter Schafer and Alba Baptista. Then there’s the music, featuring Charli XCX. This mix of talent alone suggests A24 is aiming for something unique.

The film is slated for release in April 2026. Apparently, Hathaway is booked solid that year, with “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” “The Odyssey,” and “Verity” also on her schedule. Talk about a busy year!

The “Mother Mary” trailer presents several questions.
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What exactly is this “connection” between Mother Mary and Sam? The trailer dances around it, opting for atmosphere over explanation. Is it a metaphor for the intense, often fraught, relationships that develop between artists and their collaborators? Or is there something genuinely otherworldly going on?

Then you have the cast. Hathaway, of course, is a known quantity. Coel, though, is the real wildcard. Her work on “I May Destroy You” displayed a willingness to delve into complex, uncomfortable themes. Seeing her in an A24 film, especially one that seems to be playing with genre conventions, feels like a perfect match.

The trailer’s visuals are striking. They have that signature A24 aesthetic: muted colors, unsettling compositions, and a general sense of foreboding. You can’t shake the feeling that something wicked this way comes.

One can’t help but consider the music. Charli XCX’s involvement is noteworthy. Her music is often experimental and boundary-pushing. To that end, it will be interesting to see how her sound informs the film’s overall tone. Will it be diegetic, with Mother Mary performing these tracks? Or will it be more of an atmospheric element, underscoring the film’s mood?

It’s worth acknowledging A24’s track record. They’ve built a brand on taking risks. Some pay off spectacularly. Others are interesting failures. “Mother Mary” certainly feels like a risk, but a calculated one. The ingredients are there – the talent, the premise, the visual style. Whether it all comes together remains to be seen.

There is, however, a slight air of familiarity. The “troubled artist seeks redemption” narrative is a well-worn path. What will “Mother Mary” do to distinguish itself? The devilish hints are a start, but they need to deliver on that promise.

I’m also mildly skeptical about the “satanic or supernatural elements.” This could easily become a gimmick if not handled with subtlety and intelligence. A24 is usually good at avoiding such pitfalls, but it’s a concern nonetheless.

The inclusion of Hunter Schafer, Atheena Frizzell, Kaia Gerber, Jessica Brown Findlay, Isaura Barbé-Brown, Alba Baptista, Sian Clifford, and FKA Twigs suggests a rich ensemble beyond the central duo. How these characters weave into the central narrative is yet another layer of intrigue.

I’ve seen this kind of slow-burn, atmospheric storytelling work wonders. But I’ve also seen it fall flat when it relies too heavily on style over substance. “Mother Mary” needs to have something meaningful to say beneath its surface.

For now, “Mother Mary” has my attention. The combination of talent, the intriguing premise, and the promise of something a little bit wicked is enough to pique my interest. I’ll be watching closely to see if it lives up to its potential.

Ultimately, “Mother Mary” presents a challenge to A24: can they deliver a film that’s both visually stunning and narratively compelling? Can they explore familiar themes in a fresh, innovative way? The answer, as always, will be in the execution.

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Keywords: A24 Mother Mary, Anne Hathaway, Michaela Coel, David Lowery, Charli XCX, supernatural drama, 2026 movie release, devilish movie