Review: The Testament of Ann Lee

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Official Synopsis: Ann Lee, (Amanda Seyfried) the founding leader of the Shaker Movement, proclaimed as the female Christ by her followers. Depicts her establishment of a utopian society and the Shakers' worship through song and dance, based on real events.

Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet struck gold last year with The Brutalist with Corbet at the helm. Now this time around, while they wrote together again, Mona takes the directing reigns and what a beautiful film she's crafted here.

The Testament of Ann Lee is mesmerizing. It's a beautiful blend of drama, singing, and dance and flows together perfectly. It also works somewhat as a companion piece with The Brutalist. Ann is also a European seeking new life in America after being persecuted back home.(Though because of her religious fanaticism instead of a war)

I think it would've been really easy to look at The Shakers with a cynicism. I know I would have, but Fastvold doesn't judge them, she just shows them for who they are. Whether it be brilliant movement sequences or religious psychosis. She lays it all bare.

Amanda Seyfried is giving her best work as Ann. Her singing is lovely, her dramatic work is top notch. At her side playing her brother is Lewis Pullman, who gives a very devoted and underrated performance. I feel like we should be talking about Ann Lee a LOT more in the Oscar conversation, but Pullman is especially suffering. His performance is excellent. 

The technical specks on this film are equally as good. Sharp editing, beautiful cinematography, costumes and score. The songs they wrote were very haunting and it's a shame they didn't show up on the Oscar short list anywhere.

See this in theaters if you're lucky enough to have it released near you.

Grade: A-

Comments

  1. thevoid99January 10, 2026 at 1:07 PM

    I do want to see this though I'm doubtful it is released near me and I'm hesitant to go to the movie theaters these days as the number of commercials before the film and the behavior of young people have turned me off from going.

    ReplyDelete

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