Psychological thriller Verity explores the real-world challenge of determining what is true and who can be trusted, actress Dakota Johnson said at the film’s UK premiere on Thursday.

Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, the film follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, played by Johnson, who is hired to complete a series of books for acclaimed author Verity Crawford after an accident leaves her unable to write.

Lowen travels to the Crawford family’s secluded estate, where she discovers what appears to be an autobiographical manuscript written by Verity. As she reads the disturbing revelations inside, the boundary between truth and deception becomes increasingly difficult to determine.

Johnson said the film keeps viewers questioning the characters and their motives, comparing that uncertainty with the challenges people face in everyday life.

The adaptation is the latest of Hoover’s novels to be brought to the big screen following the attention surrounding It Ends With Us, directed by and starring Justin Baldoni.

Directed by actor-turned-filmmaker Michael Showalter, Verity stars Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway as Verity and Josh Hartnett as her husband, Jeremy.

Showalter said he was drawn to the dark and seductive world created by Hoover, describing the story as glamorous and inviting while also being frightening and suspenseful.

Hartnett said the film’s refusal to provide straightforward answers was one of the reasons he wanted to take part. He described the story as allowing audiences to decide for themselves who the villain is, rather than providing them with a single definitive conclusion.

The actor said he hopes the film’s ambiguity will encourage audiences to debate the story and its characters after watching it.

Hartnett also praised Hathaway and Johnson for their performances, saying much of the film’s impact rests on the two actresses and their portrayal of the central characters.

Johnson said the film’s darker themes have increased her interest in playing villainous characters. She added that portraying unpredictable or disturbing characters can be particularly enjoyable as an actor.

Showalter said Hoover remained closely involved throughout production and makes a cameo appearance in the film. While the adaptation remains largely faithful to the novel, he acknowledged that the movie places greater emphasis on its erotic elements.

The director said the film also aims to challenge audiences by exploring uncomfortable and unconventional subject matter within a mainstream Hollywood production.

Verity is scheduled to begin its global theatrical release on September 30.

SOURCE: Reuters, Francesca Halliwell, September 25, 2026.