Amanda Seyfried is underrated—in fact, she is one of today’s most excellent actresses. She’s in possession of impeccable comic timing (Mean Girls), dramatic heft (The Housemaid, a newly released film that is demented and fun) and a beautiful singing voice (Les Misérables).
The Testament of Ann Lee calls upon those strong acting chops and that singing voice—but not so much the comic timing. It brandishes a solemn tone with strongly choreographed (and somewhat gloomy) musical numbers in telling the story of Ann Lee (Seyfried), one of the founders of the Shakers religion.
A quick history lesson: The Shakers originated in England in the 1700s and moved to America, settling in Watervilet, now known as Colonie, N.Y. (Colonie has a pretty nice shopping mall these days; it’s equipped with a Whole Foods, a Macy’s, and an L.L. Bean!)
They were originally called “the Shaking Quakers” because of their tendency to get down movement-wise during worship sessions, but eventually shortened their name to Shakers, because it looked better on an album cover. Wikipedia says the religion, as of 2025, had three devout members left in it. (Seriously.) Party!
The film, directed by Mona Fastvold, takes us back to those rollicking mid-1700s, when Ann Lee’s religious ideals were heavily gestating, leading up to when she led the sect in New York. Lee’s tribulations, including the deaths of her children and prison stays, result in an unrelenting, dark tone. The musical numbers are both daring and beautiful, while sustaining a certain eeriness. Seyfried shines throughout.
The film pays tribute, in a way, to the dedication to one’s beliefs, no matter how extreme those beliefs might be. (Lee and her followers believed she was the second coming of Christ.) It’s safe to say The Testament of Ann Lee is unlike anything you’ve seen before. It’s also safe to say that Seyfried is a performer who deserves our undivided attention.
