The Testament of Ann Lee
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- Trailer 1 (01:22)
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Synopsis
From award-winning writer-director Mona Fastvold (The World to Come, The Brutalist) comes the extraordinary true legend of Ann Lee, founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers. Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried stars as the Shaker's irrepressible leader, who preached gender and social equality and was revered by her followers. The Testament of Ann Lee captures the ecstasy and agony of her quest to build a utopia, featuring more than a dozen traditional Shaker hymns reimagined as rapturous movements with choreography by Celia Rowlson-Hall (Vox Lux) and original songs & score by Academy Award winner Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist).
Cast
- Amanda Seyfried
- Lewis Pullman
- Thomasin McKenzie
- Matthew Beard
- Christopher Abbott
- Viola Prettejohn
- David Cale
- Stacy Martin
- Scott Handy
- Jeremy Wheeler
Moviegoers are saying
The Testament of Ann Lee divides audiences as a visually stunning but emotionally distant companion piece to The Brutalist, following the Shaker founder's spiritual journey through rapturous musical sequences and exquisite choreography. While critics praise Fastvold's respectful portrayal and the film's ecstatic dance numbers shot in gorgeous wide frames, many feel kept at arm's length from Ann Lee's inner spiritual fire, wanting to feel the Holy Spirit she felt rather than just observe it from the outside.
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Letterboxd User Reviews
3.5
115.3K
46.2K
31.4K
- Aug 31, 2025
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Insane https://superseven.fr/article/mostra-venise-2-testament-ann-lee-fastvold
PA27Jan 4, 2026[thumping my chest with ecstatic devotion]
Sean FennesseyDec 23, 2025because of what she’s been through and she’s still singing
fran hoepfner - Sep 1, 2025
amanda seyfried is mother
martyNov 3, 2025Aware this will read like a backhanded insult, but the thing I really walked away with here is a greater appreciation for what Fastvold and Corbet were doing with The Brutalist. This is very much a companion piece to several themes in that movie. Both are stories about…
demi adejuyigbeSep 9, 2025I’d do this too if it meant not having to sleep with men in the 1700s God said nah to sins of the flesh, sorry
Amanda the Jedi - Sep 1, 2025
Hot on the heels of “The Brutalist,” Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet have returned with another sweeping historical epic about a European iconoclast who comes to America in order to build a new kind of church. Even more excitingly, “The Testament of Ann Lee” — a speculative,…
davidehrlichJan 21, 2026Gay brother BPD sister, one of the all-time combinations
George CiverisDec 25, 2025it's just nice to see dancing and movement shot wide so you can actually see it. Jon M Chu found dead in a ditch tbh
Kyle Turner
Queue Community Reviews
72%
Community 1,180
Top Reviews
- Ornnio lovedThe Testament of Ann Lee
This is a masterpiece; a truly phenomenal work of art. Please experience this film and soak in its unyielding beauty. The intoxicating choreography, mesmerizing songs, and superb cinematography was so convincingly spiritual, I was converted for all two hours. Amanda Seyfried!!!
Jimmy Cricket likedThe Testament of Ann LeeReally disappointing. Seyfried was incredible with a visceral performance in a demanding role. The musical sequences were magical, externalizing the internal and basically serving as all character development. But the narration lazily moves the story and ruins the whole thing.
Jen likedThe Testament of Ann LeeI was honestly shocked that I really enjoyed this movie. The songs are fantastic. The singing is great and the story is really interesting. I feel Amanda Seyfried does a great job in this movie.
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Phoebe Howell lovedThe Testament of Ann Leeas a reminder that we’re all supposed to be singing and drumming and dancing around fires in the woods, it was electric. it made me want to dance, and to make music, and to start a cult.
Jake lovedThe Testament of Ann LeeShockingly captivating for what feels like a relatively slow story. Seyfried is so spectacular in this role and I think is her best to date. She gives everything to this character and really brings her to life on screen. The dance, the music, the goddamn cinematography is all so gorgeous. I sat…
Jordan likedThe Testament of Ann LeeAnn Lee, let’s do lunch. I have so many questions. A well made film, though not to be viewed by the commoner. Some very captivating scenes and story telling, although the narration was too much and some key growth explanation and teachings of the faith would have been beneficial. Amanda should…
- Oakley Frank likedThe Testament of Ann Lee
This is a well told story. This kind of movie can become annoying and drawn out very fast but this was fine. 3 acts, paced evenly, i was intrigued and thought it was emotional. The scenes were shot very well. Some parts were excessively weird is why im not rating this higher
jam jammy jambam lovedThe Testament of Ann LeeAdored my time with this. Honest portrayal of a truly fascinating movement and larger than life figure. Seyfried was magnificent (kate hudson over her is bonkers). Beautiful cinematography and a really electric score. Prayer (dance) sequences were really fun to experience.
Datsotfoplorts3on likedThe Testament of Ann LeeAn interesting film. Kept me interested to see where it goes. Great acting, editing, costumes, and sets. The pacing is the only flaw. Too slow. But overall a good film. The musical numbers, sex, and nudity were a surprise. Reminds me of the old epic movies.
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