I found myself placing The Testament of Ann Lee in my “Well-Crafted But Who Cares” category, much like last year’s The Brutalist, both directed by Mona Fastvold. With these films, you might end up wondering, “Who was this made for?”
If you’re not familiar, Ann Lee was an 18th-century figure who started the Shaker religion. She claimed to be “the female incarnation of Christ.” This movie presents her life through musical numbers, which are as peculiar as the group’s behaviors—think shaking and making animal sounds during ecstatic moments.
While I admire anyone with strong faith, the Shakers faced persecution in England and sought freedom in America. However, they didn’t find much relief there either. Strikingly, the Shakers have dwindled due to their celibacy beliefs. Ironically, though, the movie showcases plenty of violence and complex relationships, leading to Ann’s creation of her own faith.
Amanda Seyfried shines as Ann, supported by Lewis Pullman as her brother and Christopher Abbott as her violent husband. The acting is top-notch, and the film meets technical standards.
Despite the quality, I just didn’t connect with the subject matter or the format as a musical. Perhaps some theologians may appreciate it, but for me, it didn’t resonate.
Interestingly, recent data shows that interest in niche religions like the Shakers has waned. According to a 2022 Pew Research survey, only 11% of Americans know about them. This might explain why films like this struggle to find a wide audience.
While The Testament of Ann Lee may appeal to a specific audience, it may leave others questioning its relevance.
