British actress and writer Michaela Coel has revealed she was moved to tears during the production of *Mother Mary*, citing a deep emotional connection to director David Lowery’s script, per film-news.co.uk.
The film, which stars Coel alongside Anne Hathaway, follows the complex reunion of a costume designer and a pop star after a decade of estrangement.
Coel described the filming process as an intensely emotional experience, admitting she “sobbed” when production concluded. The actress noted that her reaction to the project began during her initial reading of the screenplay, where she broke down in tears over a specific line of dialogue delivered by Hathaway’s character, Sam.
The I May Destroy You creator attributed the project’s impact to Lowery’s “witchery” as a writer. She highlighted a highly collaborative atmosphere on set, noting that she and Lowery spent hours discussing the nuances of the script. Although Lowery shared various edits of the film with her, Coel maintained that she trusted his final vision as a filmmaker.
Regarding her partnership with Hathaway, Coel described their professional bond as “instant.” The pair established a rapport during an early informal readthrough, which Coel characterised as vulnerable and raw. She stated that she felt no fear in being open with her co-star, a sentiment she believed Hathaway reciprocated.
Mother Mary is produced by A24 and marks Lowery’s latest project following A Ghost Story. The film is currently showing in cinemas.
The collaboration brings together two of the industry’s most acclaimed figures: Coel, who gained international recognition for the multi-award-winning series I May Destroy You, and Hathaway, an Academy Award winner. The film further cements David Lowery’s reputation for character-driven dramas with high emotional stakes.
•Featured image: Michaela Coel/Getty Images
