The upcoming film “Verity“, directed by Michael Showalter;, is an erotic psychological thriller set against the dramatic backdrop of a midcentury modern lake house. This architectural gem, located in Armonk, New York, serves not only as a picturesque setting but as a silent character.
Midcentury Modern Lake House: Danish Design Meets American Drama
The film, based on the 2019 bestseller by Colleen Hoover, explores dark secrets within a family tragedy. As the plot unravels, it’s the home—designed by the acclaimed Danish designer Jens Quistgaard in the early 1960s—that captivates with its bold design. Quistgaard, known for his famous timber pepper mills, rarely ventured into architecture, but this house remains a testament to his creative genius.
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A Retreat with a Unique Vision
The house, a real structure now known as Beckoning Path, once belonged to Dansk founders Martha and Ted Nierenberg. Quistgaard’s daring saw-tooth roof makes the home stand out like a jagged shipwreck amidst the woods. Emmy Award-winning production designer Amy Williams says, ‘The idea behind the house was that it was a shipwrecked boat, crashing into a landscape,’ perfectly complementing the film’s dark storyline. This bold design showcases midcentury architecture at its finest.
Crafting a Cinematic World
Williams, who regularly collaborates with Showalter, crafted the film’s sets to echo this imaginative design. Teaming up with set decorator Kendall Anderson, she transformed the home’s interior with midcentury and brutalist influences. The living room sports a custom sectional inspired by midcentury designer Harvey Progger, while the kitchen features original Dansk dishware, a nod to the house’s heritage.
An Unforgettable Interior
Notable is the primary bedroom’s bed, designed with a custom build to accommodate an eerie bite mark—a pivotal plot detail. Williams initially proposed a Noguchi piece, but opted for a soft balsam wood to achieve the desired effect. This inventive approach even featured testing with food dye and false teeth.
Feminine and Foreboding Spaces
On soundstages, Williams recreated several rooms like the bedroom, bathroom, and Verity’s office, embracing Quistgaard’s vision through materials like timber built-ins. Verity’s study boasts a hexagonal skylight and a sunken living room, designed to evoke a feminine, womblike atmosphere. The pièce de résistance—an extravagant mirrored desk—adds to this haunting narrative.
A Home that Haunts and Inspires
The meticulous work of Williams and her team turned Quistgaard’s design into a menacing yet inspiring domestic world that echoes the film’s tension. As the plot unfolds, viewers will find themselves drawn not only to the characters but to the compelling environment that shapes their story.
For an architectural marvel that also captivates with its environment, discover the Fogo Island Inn, blending modern design with maritime heritage.
Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or midcentury modern masterpieces, “Verity” offers a visual and emotional feast that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the setting of the film ‘Verity’?
‘Verity’ is set against the dramatic backdrop of a midcentury modern lake house in Armonk, New York.
Who designed the house featured in ‘Verity’?
The house in ‘Verity’ was designed by acclaimed Danish designer Jens Quistgaard in the early 1960s.
What is unique about the primary bedroom’s bed in ‘Verity’?
The primary bedroom’s bed features a custom build to accommodate an eerie bite mark, which is a pivotal plot detail.