The Wasteland Reviewer

Mother Mary (2026) Written Review

Who is one of the most interesting and unexpected filmmakers working today? David Lowery has such a strange filmography. He has dabbled in the Disney remake realm (with one of its best in Pete’s Dragon). He has made certified cinephile fares with films like A Ghost Story and The Green Knight. But now he tackles an unexpected story that is given quite the haunting twist, Mother Mary. This is a story about a famous pop star (in the same vein as Lady Gaga) who finds her way back into the life of a fashion designer from her past. This intense connection reignites in the enclosed psychosexual thriller that has the fingerprints of Lowery all over it.

How does Lowery bring this story to life?  The most significant aspect of the film to explore is the creation of Mother Mary, the artist and performer. The concern sequences in this film are jaw-dropping in how intense, bold, and powerful they are. Music comes to life in an electrifying and haunting kind of way. The music is written by the likes of Charli XCX and FKA Twigs, and they leap off the screen and into your eyes with so much zeal and life as they are paired with composer Daniel Hart’s efforts. The choreography is compelling and exciting as Mary feels like a real pop star. The camera work is engrossing, dynamic, and striking with cinematographers Andrew Droz Palermo and Rina Yang doing impressive work. Their work has always been one of the best aspects of Lowery’s film, which is quite impressive. The costumes are a key piece to the experience and Bina Daigeler does not disappoint. That aspect of the film is so significant as Mary’s lost connection is a designer herself, and those costumes need to have impact. Lowery performs quite a balancing act with a film that is quite tense (especially sexually and sensually) as well as hauntingly beautiful. The final moments of the film feel like peak Lowery with a compelling mixture of mysticism, power, and beauty. The vibes in this film are off the chart even when the pacing and structure are quite fluid. If you register with the haunting majesty of Lowery’s work, this is an exciting fresh take injected with modern pop music.

How does Lowery’s screenplay stand up against his impressive vision? The film certainly works on multiple levels with the relationship elements, the pop star elements, and what Lowery has to say about artistic expression. As stated, Lowery’s approach is quite fluid in how the film navigates Mother Mary’s performances and the reconnection between her and Sam Anselm. There is a deep exploration of Mother Mary and her persona on stage and off. The film has plenty of screen time dedicated to her performances which might seem like this is just a concert film at times but there is something quite compelling about seeing Mary in her element. But that persona is torn away when she sits across from Sam, and a vulnerable exploration of connection and relationships shines through. A harrowing experience for sure that is just full of history, passion, and pain. There are so intriguing ghost and seance elements in the film that leverages a more metaphorical “ghost” story. This genre-bending is quite exciting and complex and that makes this film feel quite unique. The specific and idiosyncratic storytelling approach of Lowery makes this such a strange and engrossing journey that is not the most smoothed out experience but one that is prickly and raw.

How do the performers sell the experience? There are certainly some interesting familiar faces who pop up and grab your attention. Hunter Schaffer. Sian Clifford. FKA twigs. They each make their impact, but the film is not too concerned with their place in the experience. This all comes down to Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel. The first big task for Hathaway is to sell the pop singer persona. She delivers physically with choreography and movement while also delivering on the microphone as well. She did win an Oscar for a musical role and that extra talent shines brightly in Mother Mary as well. You also get a sense of presence with how she holds herself on and off the stage while embodying this persona. But then Hathaway delivers on the vulnerability that is present in Mary as she reconnects with Sam. There is so much emotion that she brings to the table that makes this character resonate. Coel brings a mystery and distinct presence in the film. Their chemistry together is off the charts and there is just so much tension that boils up to the surface.

Does Lowery have another impressive film on his hands? Mother Mary is full of vibes, ideas, and killer music. You could honestly just watch this film due to the music and get so much from the experience. But the distinct storytelling and genre-melding going on are quite exquisite. Hathaway and Coel deliver a pair of incredible performances that bring so much to the experience. From the opening music performance to the final transcendent moments of the journey, Mother Mary has the goods.