*Mother Mary*, directed by David Lowery, is a film imbued with a surreal atmosphere and ghostly presences, telling the story of the complex emotional entanglement between a pop singer and her former costume designer. The film’s focus is not on showcasing the glamour of pop stardom, but rather on delving deeply into her struggles and the rifts in her relationships, particularly the conflict with her once closest friend and professional partner—costume designer Sam (played by Michaela Coel). The film’s narrative style and atmosphere are imbued with Lowry’s signature traits, with ghosts and the past that haunts people forming one of the central themes. Unlike films that typically focus on pop culture and celebrity lifestyles, *Mother Mary* does not rely on lavish stage effects or dramatic conflicts; instead, by setting most of the action within Sam’s studio, it constructs a tense, oppressive atmosphere. This ‘closed-room drama’ style of setting lends the film a visually introspective and intimate feel, compelling the audience to delve deep into the protagonist’s inner anguish and helplessness alongside her. The story begins with Mary (played by Anne Hathaway) on the brink of a double collapse in both her career and personal life, attempting to bounce back through a comeback concert that would shock the world. At this critical juncture, she decides to seek help at Sam’s rural studio, hoping he will design a dress that embodies her true self. This request reconnects the two former close friends and brings the film’s emotional tension to a climax. Although Mary and Sam’s story is steeped in the pain of the past, the film’s true focus is not on Mary herself, but on her absence and how that absence has affected Sam. Using a reunion following a broken relationship as its narrative thread, the film presents the ghostly, unbroken connection between Sam and Mary through their respective narratives. Sam’s dialogue often carries an enigmatic complexity; whilst this narrative style may leave audiences feeling somewhat elusively, it is precisely this sense of detachment that deepens the film’s mysterious atmosphere. Michaela Coel’s performance is undoubtedly one of the film’s standout moments. She portrays Sam’s anger, loss, love and hatred with consummate skill; almost every extended monologue is brimming with tension and emotional intensity, making these scenes among the film’s most compelling. Anne Hathaway, meanwhile, plays a star whose glory is gradually fading. Her performance requires no excessive flamboyance; instead, through a calm and understated approach, she conveys Mary’s regret and unease regarding her once-glorious self. The subtle emotional interplay between the two feels like a seemingly unbreakable knot, yet it appears to loosen quietly with every exchange. The film is also highly distinctive in its costume design; the outfits created for Marie by renowned costume designers Bina Degler and Iris van Herpen are imbued with artistic flair and symbolism. Although the number of costumes in the film is limited, each one effectively reveals the characters’ inner worlds—particularly Marie’s final gown, which is brimming with artistic tension and self-expression. Nevertheless, the film’s theme does not centre on fashion or pop culture, but rather explores the characters’ inner worlds and emotional fractures. Even though Mary is almost an ‘absent’ character in the film, her every appearance is imbued with drama. Through her lowest moments, the audience glimpses her former glory, prompting reflection: what kind of loneliness and emptiness lies hidden behind the glamour of stardom? *Mother Mary* is undoubtedly a highly distinctive work; its peculiar atmosphere and elusive narrative style evoke a powerful psychological resonance in the viewer. Although certain sections of the film may feel somewhat alienating, this is precisely the director’s intention—through this abstract artistic expression, Laurie ensures that the audience is not merely observing a celebrity’s life, but rather perceiving a sense of emotional loss, past dependencies, and how love and hatred gradually dissolve over time. This is a film about art, emotion and human relationships; whilst it may not be easily accessible to every viewer, its uniqueness and depth undoubtedly offer a fresh perspective on the very essence of cinema. Overall, *Mother Mary* is a challenging film that explores the fragility behind the glamour and the complexities of human relationships through exquisite performances, profound emotional depth and a unique narrative style. In today’s film market, which is inundated with remakes, sequels and commercial blockbusters, such a work—one that dares to take risks and pursue originality—is particularly precious.