The Testament of Ann Lee (2025)
The Testament of Ann Lee (literal translation: The Testament of Anne Lee() is a 2025 British-American biographical historical musical film directed by Mona Fastvold from a screenplay by Brady Corbett and Mona Fastvold. The film is set to be released in the United States on 25 December 2025.
„The Testament of Ann Lee“" is a 2025 historical musical drama film directed by Mona Fastvold and presented as a confident and original look at the life of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker religious sect. The film debuted at prestigious international festivals, including Venice and Toronto in 2025, and is distinguished by its unusual approach, combining biographical history with musical and choreographic elements that create a unique cinematic atmosphere.
The story follows the life of Anne Lee, an influential 18th-century religious leader who led the Shaker movement, a sect known for its ideas of social equality, gender equality, and communal living. The film depicts her difficult childhood, personal tragedies, and her quest to build a utopian community that would uphold her beliefs through ecstatic song and movement. The plot focuses on Lee's internal and external conflicts, as well as her attempts to unite followers in pursuit of ideals of equality and spiritual freedom. The film combines historical drama with musical elements that serve not only as artistic expression but also as part of the Shaker religious practice in the story.
The film is directed by Mona Fastvold, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Brady Corbett, and who skillfully combines the biographical nature of the story with theatrical and musical elements to create a spiritual and visual experience. She uses a small but rich visual style that emphasizes both the intimacy of the characters and the broad historical perspectives of the plot. Music and choreography play a key role in the film's rhythm, transforming Shaker rituals into almost mythical cinematic scenes. The director's approach eschews the traditional musical in favor of a more suspenseful, emotionally charged narrative.
In the central role is Amanda Seyfried, who plays Anne Lee with a combination of intensity and vulnerability, showing both her strength and her personal reflections. Among the supporting cast are: Thomasin McKenzie like a close friend, Lewis Pullman like her brother and Christopher Abbott as a husband, who add depth to the historical and human side of the story. The actors create strong chemistry with each other, with a key focus on the dynamic between spiritual leadership and personal relationships.
„The Testament of Ann Lee“" is an unconventional historical film that pushes the genre boundaries between biography, musical drama, and socio-philosophical narrative. It presents a rarely told story about a woman whose ideas were radical for her time.
The combination of strong acting, impressive music, and an unusual visual style makes it one of the most distinctive cinematic works of 2025. The film sparked discussions and acclaim at international festivals.
