In a captivating cinematic exploration, director Mona Fastvold and actress Amanda Seyfried have brought to life the extraordinary tale of Ann Lee, an 18th-century religious leader whose devotion and unyielding spirit left an indelible mark on history.
The Testament of Ann Lee, a bonkers musical fantasia, delves into the life of this obscure yet remarkable figure, charting her journey from an illiterate Mancunian blacksmith’s daughter to the founder of the Shaking Quakers, a religious group known for their ecstatic, trembling dances. Seyfried, in a fearless and fever-pitch performance, embodies Lee’s unwavering faith and maternal anguish, which fueled her devotion to her cause.
Fastvold, co-writing the screenplay with her partner Brady Corbet, has crafted a cinematic experience that is both heady and rapturous, blending 18th-century historical drama with fevered visions and levitating musical sequences. The film’s operatic nature, at times serious and at others not taking itself too seriously, reflects the complexities of Lee’s story and the Shakers’ unconventional beliefs.
“The more I found out, the more I felt I needed it now more than ever,” says Fastvold, who stumbled upon Lee’s story while researching her previous film, The World to Come. “We need to think about leadership in a different way. Leaders around the world are leading from a place of fear and intimidation, which is the opposite of Ann Lee. She led from a place of nurturing, mothering and equality.”
Seyfried, who was drawn to the role’s “unadulterated passion and devotion,” faced a daunting challenge in bringing Lee’s story to life. From mastering the Mancunian accent to navigating the film’s intricate choreography and live singing, the actress pushed herself to new heights, describing the experience as “exciting and scary and fucking great!”
The collaboration between Fastvold and Seyfried extended beyond the screen, with the director encouraging the actress to move in with her during the final stretch of filming in Hungary. The two women bonded over the shared experience of balancing work and family, with Seyfried appreciating the “maternal” care Fastvold provided.
As The Testament of Ann Lee premieres in UK cinemas, the film’s themes of devotion, leadership, and the power of the individual to challenge the status quo resonate with a contemporary audience. Seyfried’s refusal to back down from her convictions and Fastvold’s unwavering vision have created a singular cinematic experience that invites audiences to explore the complexities of faith, passion, and the unsung stories that shape our world.
