Anne Hathaway’s Sonic Transformation: Inside the Star-Studded Soundtrack for A24’s ‘Mother Mary’

HangupsMusic.com – New York, the intersection of high-concept cinema and contemporary pop music has found a new focal point with the announcement of the lead single from A24’s upcoming feature, Mother Mary. The track, titled "Burial," features Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway stepping into the shoes of a fictional pop icon, supported by a creative team that reads like a "who’s who" of modern music production. While the title "Burial" might initially cause a stir among fans of the elusive London electronic pioneer of the same name, the song is a strictly pop affair, meticulously crafted by Hathaway alongside a powerhouse trio: Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and George Daniel of The 1975.

The release of "Burial" marks the first official glimpse into the auditory world of Mother Mary, a film directed by the visionary David Lowery. Known for his eclectic and often atmospheric filmography—ranging from the haunting A Ghost Story to the epic fantasy The Green Knight—Lowery is now turning his lens toward the glitz, pressure, and emotional volatility of the music industry. The film stars Hathaway as a world-renowned pop star whose life and career intersect with an estranged friend and stylist, portrayed by the celebrated Michaela Coel.

"Burial" serves as the opening statement for a seven-song soundtrack titled Mother Mary: Greatest Hits. Scheduled for release on April 17 via A24 Music, the album is a unique project where the line between film score and studio album blurs. Every track on the record is performed by Hathaway, but the creative architecture behind the music is handled by some of the most influential figures in the industry. Charli XCX, fresh off a streak of critically acclaimed projects, and Jack Antonoff, the ubiquitous producer for the likes of Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, lead the songwriting and production efforts. They are joined by FKA twigs, who not only contributes her avant-garde songwriting sensibilities to the project but also stars in the film itself.

The choice of collaborators for Mother Mary suggests a sound that is both contemporary and experimental. Jack Antonoff’s involvement usually signals a blend of nostalgic synth-pop and intimate storytelling, while Charli XCX brings a "hyperpop" edge and a deep understanding of the aesthetics of modern celebrity. George Daniel’s contribution further bridges the gap between alternative rock textures and polished pop production. For Hathaway, this project is more than just a vocal performance; it is a full-scale immersion into a persona that requires the vocal range of a stadium-filling diva.

This is far from Anne Hathaway’s first foray into the musical arena. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a formidable vocal talent that sets her apart from many of her peers in Hollywood. Most notably, her raw, live performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" in Tom Hooper’s 2012 adaptation of Les Misérables earned her an Oscar and remains a benchmark for emotional delivery in movie musicals. She also contributed to the soundtrack of the animated hit Rio with the upbeat "Hot Wings (I Wanna Party)." However, Mother Mary represents a significant departure from the theatrical and family-oriented music of her past. Here, she is tasked with embodying a modern pop sensation, a role that demands a different kind of charisma and vocal versatility.

The narrative of Mother Mary centers on the complex relationship between Hathaway’s character and Michaela Coel’s stylist character. In the world of high-fashion and top-tier music, the relationship between a performer and their stylist is often one of intense intimacy and shared identity. By exploring the reunion of these two characters after a period of estrangement, Lowery appears to be delving into the human cost of fame and the fragility of personal connections within a manufactured industry. The inclusion of FKA twigs in the cast adds another layer of authenticity to the project, as she is an artist who has navigated the intersections of music, fashion, and performance art with unparalleled success.

For Charli XCX, the Mother Mary soundtrack is the latest in a series of ambitious cinematic and conceptual ventures. She has recently expanded her creative footprint beyond traditional album cycles, contributing to the soundtrack for a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights and starring in her own mockumentary, The Moment. Her ability to curate a specific "vibe" or aesthetic has made her one of the most sought-after collaborators for directors looking to inject a sense of modern "cool" into their projects. In Mother Mary, her role as a songwriter and producer allows her to shape the fictional discography of Hathaway’s character, effectively building a musical world from the ground up.

A24 Music, the label wing of the powerhouse independent studio, has been steadily building a reputation for high-quality, curated releases. From the experimental scores of films like Uncut Gems to the viral success of the Euphoria soundtracks, A24 understands that music is not just an accompaniment to film but a vital part of the brand’s identity. By releasing Mother Mary: Greatest Hits as a standalone album, they are positioning the film’s music to exist in the real-world pop landscape, much like the soundtracks for A Star Is Born or Vox Lux.

The tracklist for the upcoming album provides a roadmap of the film’s emotional and narrative arc. With titles like "Holy Spirit," "My Mouth Is Lonely For You," and "Cut Ties," the album suggests themes of devotion, isolation, and the eventual breaking of bonds. The repetition of "Holy Spirit" in two parts hints at a recurring motif, perhaps reflecting the character’s internal struggle or the cyclical nature of the industry she inhabits. "Burial," as the second track, likely serves as a pivotal moment in the soundtrack, establishing the sonic palette that listeners can expect from the rest of the record.

The collaboration between Lowery, Hathaway, Charli XCX, and Antonoff creates a fascinating synergy. Lowery’s films are often characterized by a slow-burn intensity and a focus on the passage of time, while pop music is frequently about the immediacy of the "now." Reconciling these two energies within a single film is a bold move. The presence of Michaela Coel, a creator known for her sharp, incisive writing in I May Destroy You and Chewing Gum, further suggests that Mother Mary will be more than a standard music industry drama; it is likely to be a sophisticated exploration of power dynamics and identity.

As the April 17 release date for the soundtrack approaches, anticipation continues to build. The lead single "Burial" is already generating conversation, not just for its star power, but for its role in a larger multimedia narrative. In an era where the lines between different forms of media are increasingly thin, Mother Mary stands as a testament to the power of collaborative artistry. It brings together Oscar-winning acting, visionary directing, and chart-topping musical production to create something that feels both like a movie and a cultural event.

The full tracklist for Mother Mary: Greatest Hits is as follows:

1. Holy Spirit
2. Burial
3. My Mouth Is Lonely For You
4. Holy Spirit 2
5. Dark Cradle
6. Blue Flame
7. Cut Ties

With "Burial" now available for streaming, fans of both cinema and pop music have their first taste of what promises to be one of the most talked-about soundtracks of the year. Whether Hathaway’s foray into the pop world will lead to further musical projects remains to be seen, but for now, she is successfully commanding the stage in a way that feels entirely new and undeniably compelling. As A24 continues to push the boundaries of what an independent studio can achieve, Mother Mary looks poised to be a significant milestone in their growing catalog of music-driven storytelling.