Los Angeles, CA – Amanda Seyfried’s performance as Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker religious sect, is garnering significant attention following the digital release of “The Testament of Ann Lee.” The film, which initially premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2025 and had a limited theatrical release beginning December 25, 2025, is now available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home as of Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The film explores Lee’s life, marked by personal tragedy and spiritual awakening, and her subsequent establishment of a unique religious movement centered on music, dance, and communal living.
Seyfried’s portrayal of Lee has been widely praised, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and being described by critics as a “career-best” performance. “The Testament of Ann Lee” delves into the complexities of Lee’s journey, from the loss of four children in infancy to her embrace of celibacy and the founding of a society that challenged conventional norms. The film portrays Lee as a figure revered by her followers as a female Christ, while simultaneously facing accusations of witchcraft from those outside the Shaker community.
The Life and Legacy of Ann Lee
Ann Lee, born in Manchester, England in 1736, experienced profound personal loss early in life. After losing all four of her children, she became deeply religious and joined a group known as the Shaking Quakers. According to Wikipedia, she eventually became the leader of this group and, in 1774, emigrated to America with a small band of followers, establishing the Shaker community.
The Shakers were known for their distinctive practices, including celibacy, communal living, and elaborate, ecstatic dance rituals. These dances, often lasting for days, were seen as a way to experience divine presence and achieve spiritual purification. The film reimagines Shaker hymns, capturing the emotional intensity of Lee’s quest to build a utopian society based on equality and spiritual devotion. Searchlight Pictures describes Seyfried’s Lee as the sect’s “revered, irrepressible leader who preaches gender and social equality.”
A Musical and Historical Drama
Directed by Mona Fastvold, who co-wrote the screenplay with Brady Corbet, “The Testament of Ann Lee” is an epic historical musical drama. The film boasts a strong supporting cast including Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson, and Christopher Abbott. USA Today reports that the film’s budget was $10 million, and it has currently grossed $3 million worldwide.
The film premiered in competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, receiving critical acclaim for its artistic merit and Seyfried’s performance. It was subsequently released in the United States on December 25, 2025, and in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2026. The narrative explores the tension between Lee’s spiritual vision and the societal constraints of the 18th century, highlighting her advocacy for gender and social equality.
Seyfried’s Connection to Ann Lee
Amanda Seyfried herself has spoken about her connection to the role of Ann Lee. In an interview with USA Today, she described Lee as “effortless to relate to,” noting her ability to operate without judgment and create a space for others to be themselves. Seyfried also expressed admiration for Lee’s resilience and her ability to find light after experiencing profound grief. “Having not gone through the traumas that she did, I can still relate to the desire to commune with my neighbors and to have a higher purpose,” Seyfried stated.
The film’s exploration of Lee’s inner life and her motivations for founding the Shaker movement offers a nuanced portrayal of a complex historical figure. It challenges viewers to consider the role of faith, community, and social justice in shaping individual lives and societal structures. The film’s depiction of the Shakers’ unique practices, particularly their ecstatic dances, provides a visually and emotionally compelling representation of their spiritual beliefs.
Shaker Beliefs and Practices
The Shaker movement, officially known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, emerged in England in the mid-18th century as a splinter group from the Quakers. Central to Shaker beliefs was the idea of dualism – the belief in both a male and female principle within God. Ann Lee was seen as the embodiment of the female principle, and her followers believed that she had reach to restore balance to the world. The New York Times highlights how the film and Shaker traditions represent the evolving connection between movement, and spirituality.
Celibacy was a cornerstone of Shaker life, as members believed that sexual desire hindered spiritual growth. This practice, while unconventional, contributed to the Shakers’ strong sense of community and their focus on communal living. Shakers lived in self-sufficient communities, producing goods such as furniture, textiles, and seeds, which were known for their simplicity, functionality, and quality craftsmanship. Their commitment to pacifism and social justice also set them apart from mainstream society.
The Shaker movement reached its peak in the mid-19th century, with approximately 6,000 members living in 19 communities across the United States. But, the movement gradually declined due to factors such as declining birth rates (due to celibacy) and changing social attitudes. Today, only one active Shaker community remains, located at Sabbathday Lake, Maine.
“The Testament of Ann Lee” offers a compelling cinematic exploration of this fascinating religious movement and the extraordinary life of its founder. The film’s digital release provides wider access to this critically acclaimed historical drama, allowing audiences to experience Seyfried’s powerful performance and delve into the world of the Shakers.
The film’s exploration of themes such as grief, faith, and social equality resonates with contemporary audiences, making it a timely and relevant work of art. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of spiritual belief and the importance of challenging societal norms in pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
Key Takeaways:
- “The Testament of Ann Lee,” starring Amanda Seyfried, is now available digitally.
- The film portrays the life of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker religious sect.
- Seyfried’s performance has received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.
- The film explores themes of faith, community, and social justice.
The next confirmed event related to the film is the announcement of its potential availability on additional streaming platforms, expected in late March 2026. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on “The Testament of Ann Lee” and its exploration of Ann Lee’s remarkable life in the comments below.
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