Anne Hathaway’s “Burial”: New Song & Mother Mary Soundtrack Details

Anne Hathaway’s foray into pop music continues with the release of “Burial,” the first single from the soundtrack to A24’s upcoming psychological thriller, Mother Mary. The song, co-written with a trio of hitmakers – Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and George Daniel of The 1975 – arrives ahead of the film’s April 17 theatrical debut, and quickly dispelled a curious question among music fans: no, it doesn’t appear to be a nod to the influential London electronic musician Burial.

The track marks a significant creative turn for Hathaway, best known for her dramatic roles in films like Les Misérables (for which she won an Academy Award in 2013) and The Devil Wears Prada. While she’s showcased her vocal talents in musicals like Ella Enchanted and the Rio animated films (“Hot Wings (I Wanna Party)” being a standout), this marks a decidedly different sonic landscape.

A Soundtrack Crafted by Pop Visionaries

Mother Mary, directed by David Lowery (known for The Green Knight), stars Hathaway as a pop singer and Michaela Coel as her long-estranged fashion designer friend. The film’s premise centers on their rekindled connection sparked by the need for a tour wardrobe. But the music is proving to be a major draw, and it’s being shaped by some of the most innovative voices in contemporary pop.

The entire Mother Mary: Greatest Hits soundtrack, due April 17 via A24 Music, is sung by Hathaway and written and produced by Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA twigs. Twigs also appears in the film, adding another layer of artistic collaboration to the project. This isn’t a simple case of an actor lending their voice to a pre-existing score. Hathaway is actively participating in the songwriting process, a move that’s generating considerable buzz.

Charli XCX’s Expanding Cinematic Universe

Charli XCX’s involvement extends beyond co-writing. She recently released a soundtrack album for Wuthering Heights, and starred in her own mockumentary, The Moment, demonstrating a growing interest in visual storytelling. The Moment, reviewed by Pitchfork, showcases her willingness to experiment with different mediums and blur the lines between music and film. Her contributions to Mother Mary solidify this trend, positioning her as a key figure in bridging the gap between the music and film worlds.

Antonoff, a prolific songwriter and producer, has a proven track record of crafting chart-topping hits with artists like Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey. His involvement lends a polished, radio-ready quality to the soundtrack, while FKA twigs brings her experimental and boundary-pushing aesthetic to the table. The combination of these talents suggests a soundtrack that’s both commercially viable and artistically ambitious.

“Burial” and the Sound of a New Role

Early reactions to “Burial” suggest a song that leans into atmospheric, dance-pop territory, with influences described as having “Ray Of Light overtones.” Stereogum notes that while Hathaway isn’t traditionally known as a singer, the track “works just fine as vibey dance-pop.” The song’s success hinges on its ability to serve both the narrative of the film and stand on its own as a compelling piece of music.

The full tracklist for Mother Mary: Greatest Hits offers a glimpse into the album’s overall tone:

01 Holy Spirit
02 Burial
03 My Mouth Is Lonely For You
04 Holy Spirit 2
05 Dark Cradle
06 Blue Flame
07 Cut Ties

A24’s Strategy and the Limited Release

A24, the studio behind Mother Mary, has become known for its distinctive brand of independent filmmaking and its savvy marketing strategies. The limited theatrical release – starting April 17 in select cities, followed by a wider release on April 24 – is typical of A24’s approach, building anticipation and creating a sense of exclusivity. The studio’s success with films like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Minari demonstrates its ability to cultivate a dedicated audience and generate critical acclaim.

What’s Next for Mother Mary and Anne Hathaway?

Following the soundtrack release and the film’s premiere, the focus will shift to critical reception and box office performance. A24 will likely leverage social media and targeted advertising to reach its core audience. For Hathaway, Mother Mary represents a bold step outside her comfort zone, and its success could open up new opportunities in the music world. The film’s performance will be closely watched by industry observers, as it could signal a growing trend of actors embracing musical roles and collaborating with established pop artists. The soundtrack’s availability on streaming platforms will also be a key factor in its long-term success, allowing audiences to experience Hathaway’s vocal performance beyond the confines of the theater.