There is something incredibly intriguing about the mystery and rhythm of the religious with stories of that world from The Exorcist to Conclave and everything in between having populated cinema from its very inception. The Testament of Ann Lee is no exception to this, adding to this rich cinematic tapestry of religious tales. While more observational than revelatory, The Testament of Ann Lee is a beautifully crafted film filled with religious fervour with a transformative performance from Amanda Seyfried.

From award-winning writer-director Mona Fastvold (The World to Come, The Brutalist) comes the extraordinary true legend of Ann Lee, founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers. Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried stars as the Shaker's irrepressible leader Ann Lee, who preached gender and social equality and was revered by her followers. 

The Testament of Ann Lee plays like biopics of yesteryear - following the subject from birth to death. And through this story we discover Ann’s struggles, religious revelation, and missionary work in the new world. 

Although the story has plenty to implicitly say about women Christian preachers (still a challenge for many denominations nearly 250 years later), mental health and divine revelation, and the horrors of patriarchal practices, it doesn’t feel deliberate, as if director Mona Fastvold isn’t attempting to say anything particularly direct about any of these themes. 

The film is one of the most beautifully crafted I’ve seen this year from the unique opening credits and the exquisite set design, it is a beauty to behold. The rhythmic singing and dancing is bewitching, even if you don’t have a religious bone in your body you can’t help but be drawn to it. 

The Testament of Ann Lee is Amanda Seyfried’s film and she gives an incredible, transformative performance, capturing an honesty about a character that she probably doesn’t have that much in common with. 

While more observational than revelatory, The Testament of Ann Lee is a beautifully crafted film filled with religious fervour with a transformative performance from Amanda Seyfried.

★★★.5