Dive into the mesmerizing world of 'The Testament of Ann Lee,' a musical drama that thrusts Amanda Seyfried into the spotlight as the enigmatic founder of the Shaker Movement—could this be the film that revives forgotten history, or a daring experiment that divides audiences? Prepare to explore a story that's equal parts spiritual awakening and cinematic boldness, but here's where it gets controversial: is portraying a celibate religious leader in song and dance a stroke of genius or a recipe for eye-rolling discomfort? Let's break it down together in this comprehensive review roundup, where we'll dissect the buzz, clarify the historical context for newcomers, and ponder what makes this film tick. And this is the part most people miss—the intimate way it pulls you into 18th-century ecstasy, rather than just observing from afar.
Directed by Mona Fastvold, who crafted the screenplay alongside her partner Brady Corbet, 'The Testament of Ann Lee' chronicles the life of Mother Ann Lee, a figure revered by her followers as a divine feminine embodiment of God. Emerging in the 1700s, her movement was famed for its lively, music-infused worship services—think upbeat tunes and communal dances that the film vividly brings to life. Set to open in select theaters on December 25, 2025, this isn't your typical biopic; it's a sweeping tale of faith, persecution, and utopian dreams, with Seyfried leading the charge after her triumphant turns in hits like 'Mamma Mia!' and 'Les Misérables.'
The ensemble cast is a powerhouse, featuring Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Christopher Abbott, Tim Blake Nelson, Stacy Martin, Matthew Beard, Scott Handy, Viola Prettejohn, David Cale, and Jamie Bogyo. Their performances add layers to this historical epic, blending raw emotion with the film's unique musical flair.
World-premiering at the Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, and screening at the Toronto International Film Festival later that month, the film promises an exclusive treat: select cinemas will showcase a special 70mm cut, offering viewers an immersive, high-resolution glimpse into its grandeur.
Now, let's turn to the critics' takes, which range from ecstatic praise to thoughtful debate. Alissa Wilkinson from The New York Times notes how the film sidesteps traditional skepticism, plunging viewers into Ann Lee's visions, pains, and joys. Instead of analyzing or educating from a distance, it invites you to feel her ecstasy firsthand— a refreshing twist that might make history buffs and newcomers alike rethink how biopics can connect on a personal level.
Siddhant Aldhaka at IGN describes it as a musical biopic woven from religious hymns, following Ann Lee's journey from Manchester to New York across decades. He praises Amanda Seyfried's passionate portrayal and the film's blend of realism and myth, especially its focus on celibacy as a path to altruism. For those unfamiliar, the Shakers believed abstinence fostered spiritual purity and community harmony, a concept that could spark modern conversations about faith versus personal freedom— but here's where it gets controversial: does glorifying such ideas feel empowering or outdated in today's world?
Jocelyn Noveck of the Associated Press highlights the creative partnership between Fastvold and Corbet, who previously collaborated on the Oscar-winning 'The Brutalist.' She calls 'The Testament of Ann Lee' a challenging yet stirring work, with Seyfried delivering a performance that'll 'knock your 18th-century socks off'—a fun way to say it's electrifying and period-appropriate.
Stephanie Zacharek in Time Magazine questions the role of ambition in cinema, labeling the film a one-of-a-kind musical about a woman envisioning a utopian society through celibacy. In an era of spoon-fed stories, she argues it challenges viewers to engage their imagination, potentially making it a 'well-executed curiosity' that's never dull—unlike many big-budget spectacles.
Caroline Slede from The A.V. Club emphasizes the film's disorienting yet unifying path, shot on 70mm with Seyfried mesmerizing as the titular Shaker founder. It captures the internal thrill of 18th-century worship, prioritizing felt experience over external observation, which could teach beginners about the emotional depth of religious history.
Peyton Robinson at RogerEbert.com sees it as a vast, detailed epic of ambition in a colonial setting, with Fastvold proving her mettle in directing this labor-intensive biography.
Adam Nayman in the Toronto Star calls it a 'hot ticket' at TIFF and a potential awards contender, portraying Ann Lee as a messiah figure who faced both admiration and persecution.
Bilge Abiri at Vulture dubs it one of the strangest musicals ever, mixing spirituals with hybrid dances. Far from abstract, it immerses audiences in the 18th-century mindset, drawing comparisons to films like 'The Witch' and 'Andrei Rublev'—a bold fusion that might confuse some but captivate others. And this is the part most people miss: how these anachronistic elements actually draw you deeper into the story.
David Ehrlich from IndieWire connects it to the duo's prior work 'The Brutalist,' praising its rapturous take on Ann Lee as Christ's female incarnation, and humorously notes the musical element as a fix for what the last film lacked.
Zachary Barnes of The Wall Street Journal terms Fastvold and Corbet's style 'indie grandeur,' comparing the film's scale to 'The Brutalist' despite its modest budget.
David Rooney at The Hollywood Reporter applauds their risk-taking, with Seyfried unleashing full intensity in this speculative biography of a leader wrongly accused of witchcraft and treason.
Guy Lodge in Variety points out how the film redefines Shakerism—often misunderstood as just a furniture brand—for many viewers, showcasing its ambitious, dynamic blend of epic and musical styles.
Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian likens it to nightmares from Lars von Trier or Robert Eggers, yet also a Broadway spectacle, prompting questions about Ann Lee's modern legacy. For atheists or skeptics, he wonders: what exactly is her testament, and does it resonate today? This invites debate— is the film a faithful tribute or an ironic take on faith?
Alexander Mooney of Slant Magazine calls it contradictory: bonkers yet conventional, musical in spirit but sparse in songs. It's a tricky, intrepid fable mirroring its protagonist's dilemmas of belief.
Kristy Pushko at Mashable sees wonder in its embrace of Shaker music and movement, turning historical drama into exaltation.
Reader Reviews
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So, what do you make of 'The Testament of Ann Lee'? Does Seyfried's portrayal honor Ann Lee's complex legacy, or does the musical format feel like a gimmick? Is the film's focus on celibacy and ecstasy inspiring, or does it clash with contemporary values? And here's a controversial twist: could this be a subtle critique of organized religion, or purely celebratory? Drop your opinions in the comments—we'd love to hear if you're ready to shake things up with this film or if it's not your cup of tea!
