Mother Mary Review: Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel Explore Spiritual Themes in David Lowery’s Tribute to Icons

The upcoming film Mother Mary takes a bold departure from Hollywood’s traditional biblical epics, offering instead a profound exploration of spirituality through the lens of a pop superstar. This character, reminiscent of music icons like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga, emerges as a tribute to Madonna—a figure grappling with the aftermath of fame and the quest for spiritual fulfillment amidst a broken relationship.

Directed by David Lowery, known for his eclectic filmography, Mother Mary aligns more closely with his introspective works like A Ghost Story and The Green Knight. The film is said to tap into Lowery’s own experiences with Catholicism and his admiration for Madonna’s daring artistic expression. This creative endeavor has likely been brewing for some time.

Featuring a cast anchored by Anne Hathaway, who portrays the titular character, and Michaela Coel, the film presents a dynamic interaction between two artists navigating the complexities of their past. Initially conceived as a dialogue-driven, one-location piece, it has evolved to incorporate elaborate musical numbers and grand staging, merging the essence of music videos with an intimate narrative.

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Hathaway’s portrayal of pop icon Mother Mary showcases a character at a critical juncture, seeking connection with fashion designer Sam Anselm (Coel) after a decade-long estrangement. Once reliant on Sam’s creative vision, Mother Mary now finds herself in a personal crisis, yearning to reclaim her artistic roots through a pivotal concert outfit only Sam can design. However, Sam grapples with feelings of betrayal, creating a complex emotional tapestry for both characters.

The unfolding confrontation introduces a cat-and-mouse dynamic, set against a backdrop of Catholic guilt and artistry’s healing power. Lowery crafts this narrative to delve into the intricate relationship between the two artists, revealing how their shared journey—despite differing perspectives—ultimately illuminates their individual struggles and triumphs.

Lowery captivates audiences with a spellbinding blend of performances from Hathaway and Coel. While Hathaway may not be the conventional pop superstar, she successfully embodies the weight of an acclaimed artist, ready to confront her demons. Her eventual stage performance proves electrifying, showcasing her ability to convey the complexities of her character. Coel, in contrast, shifts from a once-injured artist to a pivotal force in redefining their relationship.

Though the film features a larger female ensemble, the emphasis remains on the potent exchange between Hathaway and Coel. Noteworthy contributions from FKA Twigs, who brings musical depth, and Hunter Schafer, who plays Mother Mary’s assistant, further enrich the film’s narrative landscape.

Musically, the film shines with contributions from Twigs, renowned producer Jack Antonoff, Charli XCX, and others who enhance its sound. The film’s costume design by Bina Daigeler deserves recognition for meeting the ambitious creative vision of the project.

While the buildup to the core narrative may stretch longer than some viewers might prefer, the journey remains thoroughly engaging, thanks to the remarkable chemistry between its lead actors.

Title: Mother Mary

Distributor: A24

Release Date: April 17, 2026

Director/Screenplay: David Lowery

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Michaela Coel, Kaia Gerber, Alba Baptista, Jessica Brown Findlay, Sian Clifford, Hunter Schafer

Rating: R

Running Time: 1 hour and 52 minutes