Screened at the Virginia Film Festival, The Testament of Ann Lee serves as Mona Fastvold’s follow-up to The Brutalist, only this time the project is a religious musical epic. The film is about the exploration of Ann Lee, who is world-renowned as one of the first female religious founders, and specifically, the mother of the Shaker movement. The film is led by Amanda Seyfried as the titular lead, giving a performance that is determined and disciplined.

The Movement

Ann Lee was one of the first female religious leaders who fled England to practice without facing persecution or worse. Amanda Seyfried’s performance transcends the film, giving a level of inclusivity to the Shaker movement. That settles into the role of Ann with the level of care and discipline needed to not only be a leader but to be devoted to adhering to the principles that she believes God would approve of. In doing this, when Ann flees Manchester, New Hampshire, she doesn’t flee alone; she leaves along with her husband’s brother and other religious movement followers who believe that she is the female coming of Christ. Aside from the film’s plot, the film leans heavily into not only being an epic but also a musical drama that is choreographed with interesting movements. The musical numbers alongside the movements are memorable and worth conversation, as they are unlike any stylized choreographic movements that would regularly be sought after.

Shaker Performances

One of the highlights of the film is most definitely Amanda Seyfried’s determined performance as  Ann Lee. Alongside Seyfried’s determination, she is disciplined as a religious leader, which was highlighted throughout the film as an important part of her growth in setting a precedent as a fierce female leader. What she does in this film is unlike any other role she has played. The way that she’s able to lead and convey emotions through struggle and perseverance is breathtaking. Even in the moments where she is singing and dancing, it is only fitting to have such a visceral reaction, as she is spiritually and mentally mesmerizing and fully in tune with her practices while trying to make a way for others like her. Alongside Seyfried, the film stars Christopher Abbott as her sexually frustrated husband, who gives an elevated performance as the film progresses. Lewis Pullman plays her brother, and one of the few issues with the film is that he is not in it enough, and his arc is just as important as hers is, as far as religious exploration is concerned. Thomasin Mackenzie, Stacy Martin, and Tim Blake Nelson round out the ensemble, giving distinct performances that serve well to Ann Lee’s narrative, though just like Pullman, they deserved a bit more screentime and presence.

Mona Fastvold’s direction in The Testament of Ann Lee is a continued elevation from what she has done in the past. Going from producing and co-writing The Brutalist to co-writing and directing this film, Fastvold shows that there is a great translation between the two, and it relies on its narrative of American exploration.