Verity: Trashy Thriller or Unwatchable Mess?

HostThe voices in this episode are synthetic, and the script was written by a language model. The positions are real, and they come from the thread.

HostThe new film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, 'Verity', has stirred up quite a discussion over on Reddit, in the movies subreddit. With critics largely panning it as incoherent and unsatisfying, the thread quickly became a battleground over whether it's even worth a watch, given the perceived quality of its source material.

HostThe article we're discussing notes that while the film had potential for a 'trashy thriller' or 'campy fun', it often pulled back when it should've pushed harder, failing to find a consistent tone. The conversation there was pretty lopsided, with a lot of people agreeing the movie's an utter disaster, but a few distinct camps emerged to explain why, or even to defend it.

Hoover hatersHonestly, what did anyone expect? Colleen Hoover's books are just the pork rinds of literature. They're not deserving of film adaptations, and this movie just proves it. The source material is absolutely garbage; you can't polish a turd into a diamond.

Actor loyalistsI get that, but you know, it stars Josh Hartnett. We've gotta keep this boy taking roles, especially after 'Oppenheimer'. And Anne Hathaway? She's committed to her roles, even the twisted ones. That alone makes it worth seeing for some of us.

Hoover hatersGood actors can't save something that's fundamentally broken. This isn't like 'Jaws' or 'Psycho', where a mediocre book became a classic film. Hoover's level of trash is beyond repair, and the movie's just 'Hooverslop', an utter disaster that confirms all our expectations.

Camp connoisseursI was really hoping for some campy, trashy fun, like 'The Housemaid'. This movie had so much potential if it didn't take itself so seriously, given the book's quality. But it's sadly not full camp, and that's a real disappointment.

Industry watchersIt's interesting, isn't it? We're seeing this trend of comedy directors, like Michael Showalter here, adapting smutty thrillers. It's probably because studios aren't financing comedies anymore, so these directors just need to work on something.

Dakota detractorsAnd then there's Dakota Johnson. It's a universal law: she doesn't make good movies. She's got zero charisma and seems like box office poison, yet they keep casting her. It's baffling.

Hoover hatersExactly! The movie itself is barely a movie. It's just a series of montages where beautiful people whisper, have passionate sex, and commit murder while Dakota Johnson reads exposition. It signifies nothing.

Actor loyalistsBut Anne Hathaway seems to be having fun with it, doesn't she? Her performance, especially in a psychotic role, is a real draw. I'm watching it just to complete her 2026 releases, and I loved her in 'Mother Mary' even with its mid-reviews.

Camp connoisseursI think the problem is that being self-aware isn't the same as being camp. True camp is often unintentional, but even deliberate camp needs to commit. This film just doesn't quite get there, though some found it committed to its own particular brand of nonsense.

Industry watchersPaul Feig managed to pivot successfully with 'A Simple Favor', which had a similar trashy, erotic thriller vibe. So it's not impossible for a comedy director to make it work. But 'Verity' highlights that not every director can make that jump, and it makes you wonder how Showalter secured such a cast.

Dakota detractorsIt's her 'nepo baby' status, that's why. Her connections keep her in these roles. Her more popular movies, like 'Fifty Shades of Grey' or 'Madame Web', are widely considered horrendous, yet she keeps getting work. It's frustrating.

Hoover hatersIt's a reflection of a low average reading level among the American public, honestly. The continued adaptation of Hoover's work just suggests that people are happy with this kind of content, no matter how poorly it's executed on screen.

Actor loyalistsI just think it's important to support actors like Josh Hartnett. He's earned our respect, and if this is the kind of role he's taking to stay in Hollywood, I'm there for it. It's not always about the movie's overall quality.

Camp connoisseursI agree it's not full camp, but I did find it silly, sexy, and overstuffed enough to be devilishly chuckle-worthy. You just have to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride, even if it's not as wild as it could've been.

Industry watchersIt's a tough spot for directors. Michael Showalter's filmography shows he's been dabbling in various genres, so it's not entirely out of character for him to try this. But it's a stark reminder that the comedy market is dead, and people like Frank Coraci are even looking for horror funding on Instagram.

Dakota detractorsShe's really cornered the market on 'romance books turned into shitty movies'. It's like she's drawn to them. Even when she's in a rare good one, like 'Suspiria' or 'The Lost Daughter', it's not her performance that stands out.

Hoover hatersThe reviews reflect it, I guess. People are finally realizing that these books are complete trash and any adaptations are going to be trash too. It's not a surprise, it's just a confirmation.

HostBeyond the main arguments, the thread also had a lot of jokes and memes about Colleen Hoover's writing, with the top comment being a pretty scathing description of her target audience. There was also a lengthy sub-discussion about what 'camp' in film actually means, and many compared 'Verity' to last year's 'The Housemaid'.

HostAnd then there were the views almost nobody took. A few commenters found the movie to be 'just plain fun' and 'compulsively watchable' despite its flaws, which is a stark contrast to the general sentiment.

HostInterestingly, one person even said Josh Hartnett was a reason to avoid the movie, a view that was quickly downvoted by the crowd.

HostSo, where did the thread land? Mostly, it seems people agreed that 'Verity' is a poor adaptation of a widely disliked book, often failing to commit to its trashy potential. But even so, Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett's performances did manage to make it watchable for some.

HostThe one question it never really resolved, though, is whether any Colleen Hoover book can truly be elevated into a good movie, or if they're all just destined to be 'Hooverslop' on screen.

HostSloppod out.

HostSloppod is sponsored by Taskpile.app.

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