A Bold New Vision from David Lowery
David Lowery, known for his unconventional storytelling, has once again pushed the boundaries of cinema with his latest film, Mother Mary. This unique blend of pop concert movie, relationship drama, supernatural gothic fantasy, and body horror has captivated audiences in various ways. At the center of it all is Anne Hathaway, who plays the titular character, a visionary music artist preparing for a major comeback. Her quest for a dress from her former collaborator and ex-friend, Sam (played by Michaela Coel), sets off a chain of events that intertwine performance, tension, and eerie isolation.
The film oscillates between grand stadium performances featuring songs written by Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA twigs, and a tense two-hander scene set in a creepy barn where Hathaway and Coel confront their past. Their interactions are both emotionally charged and visually striking, adding layers to the narrative that keep viewers engaged.
Despite its ambitious approach, Mother Mary has sparked mixed reactions. Some critics have called it a ‘head-scratcher’ or even a ‘disaster,’ while others find it ‘bewitching’ and ‘weirdly mesmerising.’ Lowery, however, remains unfazed by the polarizing responses. He acknowledges that not everyone will connect with his work, but he remains committed to creating films that provoke thought and challenge conventions.
Embracing the Unconventional
Lowery, who has directed acclaimed films such as The Green Knight, The Old Man & the Gun, and A Ghost Story, admits that he is a people pleaser at heart. Yet, he also values the importance of pushing creative boundaries. “I want to make movies that push and provoke,” he says. “I know they won’t be for everyone, so when I make a movie like this, it’s important for me to focus on what I’m trying to express.”
He emphasizes the importance of respecting the fact that not all audiences will appreciate his work. “I hope, at the very least, if someone goes to see this and it’s not for them, they appreciate the intent with which it was made.” Lowery believes that there is an audience ready for this kind of film, one that has grown more receptive over the years.
Balancing Creativity and Commercial Appeal
While Lowery’s work often leans towards the avant-garde, he has also ventured into more commercial territory. His involvement in Disney’s remakes, such as Pete’s Dragon (2016) and Peter Pan & Wendy (2023), highlights his ability to navigate different filmmaking styles. He sees value in these projects, acknowledging that they can serve as a way to get movies made. However, he also expresses a desire for more original content.
“I’m incredibly grateful that when I have an idea like Mother Mary, I can find a home for that as well,” he says. The film’s production and distribution were handled by A24, a studio known for its high-quality releases. Lowery credits A24 for nurturing an audience that is open to more experimental films.
A Unique Collaboration
The collaboration between Lowery, Hathaway, and Coel has been particularly noteworthy. Lowery praises Hathaway’s performance, calling it one of the best of her career. “She took what was on the page and enriched it,” he says. “It was both incredibly gratifying and somewhat humbling because they’re taking words that I had written and transforming them into something that I could scarcely conceive of scratching the surface of.”
Hathaway’s transformation into a pop star for the role was no small feat. Lowery notes that she underwent a tremendous learning curve, cramming years of hard work into just four months to meet the demands of the role. “She’s right up there with the hardest workers in entertainment,” he adds.
The Influence of Performance
Lowery’s decision to incorporate body horror elements into Mother Mary was inspired by his own experiences and observations of musicians. He draws parallels between the physical toll of creating art and the demands of performing on stage. “The process of creating something is a really bizarre and sometimes painful phenomenon,” he says. “I’ve spoken to just enough musicians to get a sense of the ways in which going on tour takes my own experiences and puts them to shame.”
This perspective influenced the film’s body horror aspects, including scenes that depict physical strain and exhaustion. Lowery describes the film as “a movie about a pop star who needs a dress,” highlighting the central theme that ties together the various elements of the story.
A New Chapter for Hathaway
Hathaway is also set to appear in The Devil Wears Prada 2, a sequel to the 2006 film. While the two films are vastly different in tone and genre, they share a common thread: fashion. Lowery finds the timing of the release amusing, noting the connection between the red fabric in The Devil Wears Prada 2 and the spirit haunting Mother Mary. “I love that these movies exist in the same universe and are sort of bound by the colour red,” he says.
For Lowery, Mother Mary offers a new experience for Hathaway and her fans. “The singing and dancing is incredible, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience that,” he says. “But to watch what she does in close-up is truly exceptional.”
Conclusion
As Mother Mary continues to make waves in UK cinemas, it stands as a testament to Lowery’s commitment to bold storytelling. With its unique blend of genres and powerful performances, the film challenges audiences to embrace the unconventional. Whether viewed as a masterpiece or a polarizing experiment, Mother Mary is a significant contribution to contemporary cinema.
