Anne Hathaway Transforms into Troubled Pop Icon in 'Mother Mary'

Anne Hathaway delivers a transformative performance as Mother Mary, a global pop sensation grappling with personal demons on the cusp of a high-stakes comeback in David Lowery's drama, "Mother Mary." The film, which premiered in London, delves into the intricate dynamics of fame and artistic struggle, centering on the reunion between Mother Mary and her estranged former confidante, fashion designer Sam Anselm, played by Michaela Coel. Their reconnection at Anselm's countryside atelier forces them to confront buried anger, pain, and the enduring bond they once shared.

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I didn’t want to just show up and do a good job, I wanted to do my absolute best and it took several years of being really committed to it.

Hathaway's dedication to the role is palpable, marked by years of intensive vocal and dance training, inspired by the work ethic of superstar Beyoncé. She described her commitment as aiming for her "absolute best," involving eight-hour daily dance practice sessions for months and a year dedicated to "crafting the voice in a specific way." This meticulous preparation underscores the film's focus on the demanding realities behind the glamorous facade of superstardom.

Reflecting on her character's journey, Hathaway, who also recently premiered "The Devil Wears Prada 2," expressed a deep understanding of Mother Mary's battles. She noted that the character's struggles mirror choices she herself has actively avoided, emphasizing her own fortune in navigating a successful career since her teenage years while striving to maintain her artistic identity. At 43, Hathaway feels she has reached an age where she can fully appreciate and enjoy her career without being consumed by it, a stark contrast to Mother Mary's overwhelming experience.

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A lot of her is based on the choices that I’ve actively tried not to make. I’m really lucky I’ve been in successful films since I was a teenager, but I also knew that I really wanted to be an artist and I never wanted to lose who I was as a person in the limelight.

The A24 film features original music by acclaimed artists Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA Twigs, with Hathaway performing seven songs on the soundtrack album "Mother Mary: Greatest Hits." The narrative promises a compelling exploration of artistry, personal demons, and the enduring power of complex relationships within the high-pressure world of the music industry.

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The 43-year-old said she felt she’d reached an age “where I can appreciate it and enjoy it and not feel buried by it, the way Mother Mary feels buried by it”.