The Wasteland Reviewer

The Testament of Ann Lee (2025) Written Review

Who are The Shakers and who is Ann Lee? This is not a household name when it comes to religious figures or faith groups, but they are certainly one of the most fascinating. Lee founded this religious sect with plenty of singing and dancing and movement. She would go on to become the female Christ in the eyes of her followers and would help settle a utopian society in America. Free of sex, this was a group all about faith and expression. Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet bring this story to life as Fastvold puts it on the biggest screens possible. 

How does Fastvold’s directorial effort bring this film to life? One of the most significant elements of the film is the musical dynamics. These songs are incredibly catchy and engrossing with an enthralling vibe for sure. It is full of energy and harmony which just pulls you in and engages you throughout the runtime. The choreography is quite impressive as well with its big, sharp, bold movements that bring a level of energy to the film that is quite infectious. Most importantly, cinematography is quite epic and brings this all to life in a perfect balance of scale and intimacy. William Rexer’s work behind the camera allows this film to tower over you in 70mm print and it is one of the most poignant and bold visual experiences of the year. Even though this film is over two hours long, it is always moving and keeps the pace up. The experience flies by with its harrowing and raw visuals of birth, death, sadness, suffering, and joy. Fastvold crafts is an experience that is mesmerizing for sure. 

Does the story of Ann Lee engage the audience? One of the most interesting elements of this film is that it does not have a central conflict. This plays out like many biopics where you have isolated elements that come in, cause trouble, and are overcome. The film relies on a consistent narrator telling the story, and it becomes such an engaging element through the film. The period text for the credits and title cards set the mood and the narration gives the film a feeling of myth being spoken down to generations. Lee’s story begins with her being a lost soul who discovers a sect, finds a husband, and begins a married life. But the horrific fate of her four children (portrayed in incredibly raw and harrowing detail on screen) breaks her faith in the martial expectation. She has a vision, shuns sex, and starts her own path that snowballs from there. Persecution, martial turmoil, and the general dangers of life at that time make this a harrowing and moving journey for Lee and her people. Simple in structure, yet the presentation is so bold that the story becomes so much more than its parts. Epic is certainly a word for it. 

Who truly brings this cinematic experience together with her impressive presence? Amanda Seyfried. Far from her early music work on Les Misérables, Seyfried is a revelation in The Testament of Ann Lee.  Her singing and dancing are big, bold, and beautiful. The sheer emotion of her performance is quite affecting as she struggles through birth throughout a harrowing montage and watching her reckon with the early deaths of four different children (same montage) will shake you to the core. Her power of expression sells her as a figure who could have a cult of personality around her. This film is a towering cinematic expression and Seyfried anchors it all down. Thomasin McKenzie is excellent with her pitch perfect narration as well as the ever-supportive figure right there with Seyfried on screen. Lewis Pullman gets a few sequences in the film to stand out as a dynamic figure as well. Christopher Abbott is raw and authentic as the husband of Lee with his ever-growing frustrations. The whole cast deserves praise for those Northern English accents as well. 

What is the most unique and dynamic musical experience on film this year? The Testament of Ann Lee is a fascinating exploration of a cult, their committed and alluring leader, and the utopia that they attempt to bring to the world. A fascinating concept for a film which is enveloped in a collection of engrossing musical numbers matched with bold, expressive dancing. Seyfried is an impressive anchor to the whole experience as Fastvold delivers quite an impressive cinematic experience.