Writer-director David Lowery returns to his gothic horror roots in ‘Mother Mary’ with a fresh, modern subject: the twilight years of a pop star.
Anne Hathaway fronts the psychological drama as the titular Mother Mary, a global music sensation who represents an amalgamation of real world pop stars from Lady Gaga to Taylor Swift. Straying away from Hollywood’s obsession with a star's rise to fame, ‘Mother Mary’ places us at the end of the character’s career, following a shocking on-stage accident that sends her into isolation. In need of a spectacular new dress to revive (or possibly end) her career, Mother Mary seeks out her old costume designer, Sam Anselm played by Michaela Coel.
Hathaway authentically embodies her role as Mother Mary, the god-like pop star. In multiple concert scenes spread throughout the runtime, she is performing in elaborate dresses and headpieces as well as any real world popstar. However, it is her performance as the stripped back, post-accident Mother Mary where she truly shines. Beyond her bedraggled appearance, with dull clothes and grown out bleached hair, is her spot-on portrayal of a woman who is lost and in need of direction.
Coel brings a really unique energy to Sam. She doesn’t just feel intelligent but rather like an all-seeing force peering into Mother Mary’s mind. Paired with Coel’s seductive tone, Sam has a supernatural presence. Coel commands her scenes and delivers lines as if performing for a theatre. Several close ups highlight how strong her ability is at acting with her eyes alone, switching from accusatory to impish in seconds.
Mother Mary and Sam fit perfectly into their own archetypes of the lost soul and the mentor, the real intrigue comes from how their personalities interact with each other and the fluidity of their relationship. It's never quite clear how deep their relationship goes. Are they colleagues, friends, or maybe something more?
The film tweaks genre in the second half, transitioning from a straight-cut psychological drama into a gothic horror-infused drama. It is at this point that the film takes a welcome surrealist shift. Removing the characters from the dim and damp barn in which the first half of the movie takes place, into more dream-like spaces, as the main characters go back and forth recounting their lives since they have been apart.
With music by it-girl Charli XCX and powerhouse pop producer Jack Antonoff, the soundtrack hits all the right notes. Incredibly, Hathaway does not just provide vocals for the soundtrack, she also has writing credits on several songs.
Singer FKA Twigs contributes to the soundtrack as well, with her pop-EDM sound. She also makes for a perfect addition to the cast as the mystical Phoebe, adding ‘Mother Mary’ to her growing list of acting credits.
David Lowery's ‘Mother Mary’ expertly navigates the world of a pop star and what happens when it all comes crumbling down. The surrealist and horror moments bring the psychological drama to the next level. Whether you hate pop stars or you love them, there is definitely something to enjoy in this gripping, spooky film.
