Verity
Summary
Hosts Linda Holmes and Ayesha Harris discuss the film Verity with guest Jordan Cruciola, debating its pacing, Dakota Johnson’s muted performance, and the script’s failure to match the source material’s campy tone. The trio critiques the ambiguous ending as a gimmick that denies the audience a satisfying resolution, while praising Anne Hathaway’s intense portrayal of the catatonic author. They also analyze the movie’s awkward eroticism and compare it to other domestic thrillers like The Housemaid, ultimately concluding that the film should have leaned harder into its bizarre, gothic elements.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Carvana
Sponsor: NPR Plus and intro to Verity
Introduction of guest Jordan Cruciola
Plot summary and cast of Verity
Jordan's positive reaction to the film
Aisha's critique of Dakota Johnson's performance
Comparison to the book and headboard scene
Analysis of acting styles and director's choice
Discussion on screenwriter Nick Antoska
Debate on tone: Camp vs. Muted Zany
Defense of Dakota Johnson's comedic timing
Sponsors: AT&T, Viking, HomeServe
Critique of the ambiguous ending
Reactions to the twist and bonus chapter
Discussion on the film's lack of sexiness
Closing remarks and credits
Sponsors: HomeServe and Instacart
Listen ad-free on Castria