Anne Hathaway’s most recent role in A24’s forthcoming drama Mother Mary has garnered attention — not only for her character but also for the profound emotional journey she experienced during filming.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Hathaway disclosed that she reached a breaking point while filming a pivotal scene. Portraying a pop diva facing an existential crisis, Hathaway became intensely connected to the emotional demands of her character.
A Week of Intense Filming
Director David Lowery, recognized for his atmospheric storytelling, likened the production experience to that of Apocalypse Now concerning emotional depth. One particular scene spanned an entire week, challenging both the cast and crew significantly.
“At one moment, Annie broke down,” Lowery recounted. “She expressed, ‘I must apologize, as I believe what will emerge from me might hurt you.’” Her co-star Michaela Coel responded with encouragement and trust, stating, “I love you, I trust you.”
Coel later elaborated on the scene's intensity: “It wasn’t just between us — the crew, the producers — everyone was affected. That level of emotional gravity is uncommon.”
Transforming Into “Mother Mary”
Hathaway engaged in vocal and dance training to authentically embody the pop icon central to Mother Mary. She mentioned that the role compelled her to embrace being a novice again, starting from the ground up and releasing the need for perfection.
“You’re not bad, you’re simply a beginner,” she remarked. “I had to let go of certain things to step into this role — and while it was challenging, it was essential.”
Compounding the difficulty, Hathaway did not have access to the original music — composed by Jack Antonoff and Charli XCX — before filming began. This made her preparation even more impulsive and emotionally driven.
Artistic Vulnerability at Its Best
For Hathaway, relinquishing control was part of her developmental journey. “I’m very thankful I couldn’t assume control,” she reflected. The unpredictable music process enabled her to remain present and genuine — a quality that radiates in her performance.
Details about Mother Mary remain mostly concealed, with no official release date published yet. However, the snippets we've observed suggest it might be one of A24’s most emotionally resonant and artistically daring projects to date.
Keep an eye out for further updates as the film approaches its release.
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