"The Testament of Ann Lee" Trailer Unveiled: Amanda Seyfried Leads a Shaking, Singing Vision

Get ready for a historical drama unlike any other as Mona Fastvold's "The Testament of Ann Lee" reveals its first look, promising an electrifying performance from Amanda Seyfried and a uniquely choreographed musical experience.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways from "The Testament of Ann Lee" Trailer

• Amanda Seyfried stars as Ann Lee, the extraordinary founder of the Shaker Movement, in a new historical musical drama.
• The film reimagines over a dozen traditional Shaker hymns into vibrant, ecstatic singing and dancing "movements."
• After premiering to critical buzz and a lengthy standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, the movie hits select US theaters on Christmas Day.

Imagine a movie where the pursuit of faith isn't just spoken, but physically embodies itself in a flurry of dance and song, leading to moments so captivating they earned a 15-minute standing ovation. That's the powerful promise of "The Testament Of Ann Lee," the latest historical drama from acclaimed filmmaker Mona Fastvold, which just dropped its trailer. This isn't your average period piece; it's a genre-bending journey into the life of a truly remarkable American iconoclast, featuring Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried in a role that's already generating serious Oscar buzz.

Fastvold, known for her thought-provoking collaborations with Brady Corbet on films like "The Brutalist," steps into the director's chair to tell the story of Ann Lee, the enigmatic 18th-century figure who founded the Shaker Movement. The trailer hints at a visually lush and emotionally charged film, one that blends historical narrative with audacious musical numbers, turning traditional Shaker hymns into captivating cinematic spectacles. It's a bold artistic choice that aims to capture both the spiritual ecstasy and profound personal agony of Ann Lee's quest to forge a new kind of utopia.

Unveiling a Visionary Tale of Faith, Trauma, and Utopian Ideals

At the heart of "The Testament of Ann Lee" is the compelling true legend of Ann Lee herself. Born in 18th-century Manchester, England, Ann Lee (1736–1784) was a woman whose early life was marked by profound personal traumas, including the tragic loss of all her children in infancy or early childhood. These experiences, coupled with her radical interpretation of scripture, transformed her into a fierce advocate for a more equitable and utopian society, where she believed herself to be the female embodiment of Christ.

The Shaker Movement, which she founded, was revolutionary for its time, emphasizing gender and social equality, as well as a fervent proponent of celibacy. However, what truly set them apart was their ecstatic style of worship, where followers would shake, dance, sing, and even speak in tongues as expressions of divine inspiration. Fastvold's film digs deep into this, portraying the Shaker rite of worship with unflinching resolve. One critic noted how the film "lures you into an utter trance with its monotonous melodies and choreography," putting the audience right "into the middle of such a prayer rite" with extended one-take sequences that immerse viewers in the communal fervor. Source: [WXIX, "‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ Review: A Masterful Musical Epic", undated, likely Nov 2025].

A Dazzling Display of Cinematic Craftsmanship and Artistic Collaboration

"The Testament of Ann Lee" isn't just about its powerful narrative; it's also a feast for the senses, crafted with remarkable attention to visual and auditory detail. Shot on 35mm with an eye towards 70mm blow-ups for its theatrical release, cinematographer William Rexer creates a sumptuous, candlelit aesthetic reminiscent of Caravaggio's paintings and atmospheric period pieces like Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon” and Ridley Scott’s “The Duellists.” Source: [IndieWire, "‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ Teaser Trailer: Mona Fastvold Delivers Another Epic About an American Iconoclast", Nov 6, 2025]. This deliberate choice gives the film an astonishing scale and detail, especially considering its reportedly modest budget—comparable to "The Brutalist" (around $10 million).

The film's "musical" aspect is equally ambitious. Rather than traditional song-and-dance numbers, Fastvold takes more than a dozen authentic Shaker hymns and reimagines them as "rapturous movements." This involved bringing in an impressive team: choreographer Celia Rowlson-Hall, a frequent collaborator on Fastvold and Corbet’s projects like "Vox Lux," and Oscar-winning composer Daniel Blumberg, known for his work on "The Brutalist." Blumberg not only composed new music and score but also crafted one original composition that plays over the end credits. The final sound mix is a compelling blend of studio recordings and live singing from Seyfried and the ensemble cast, creating an immersive and authentic experience.

"Amanda Seyfried delivers a career-defining performance as Ann Lee, conveying such an open vulnerability and sadness in every single moment that feels unparalleled to anything Seyfried has accomplished thus far in her storied career."

— WXIX Film Critic

This dedication to cinematic artistry extends to the ensemble cast. Alongside Seyfried's central performance, the film features a talented lineup including Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Tim Blake Nelson, Christopher Abbott, and Stacy Martin. Each actor contributes to the detailed portrayal of Ann Lee’s followers and the challenging world they inhabited, further enriching the film’s intricate tapestry.

From Venice Acclaim to Early Oscar Buzz

The journey for "The Testament of Ann Lee" began with considerable fanfare at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, where it premiered in competition for the prestigious Golden Lion. The reception was nothing short of extraordinary, with Seyfried's performance earning a remarkable 15-and-a-half-minute standing ovation. This initial buzz quickly translated into awards speculation, with Variety's awards editor Clayton Davis already predicting a Best Actress nomination for Seyfried. Source: [Variety, "‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ Trailer: Amanda Seyfried Gets Best Actress Oscar Buzz in Religious Drama From ‘The Brutalist’ Filmmakers", Nov 6, 2025]. The film later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, solidifying its position as a major contender in the upcoming awards season.

Interestingly, the filmmakers and awards strategists have made a "thoughtful choice" to position "The Testament of Ann Lee" in the Musical or Comedy categories for the Golden Globe Awards. This decision highlights the film's "unconventional musical sequences and themes," embracing its unique tonal fusion of music, spirituality, and emotional irony. Source: [Variety - Film News, "‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ With Amanda Seyfried Submits for Comedy/Musical at Golden Globes, Confirms Two Original Songs for Oscar Season (Exclusive)", Oct 30, 2025]. While some critics found the "folk musical" aspect "divisive" at Venice, this often signals a film that challenges conventions and sparks conversation, rather than a lack of quality. For example, IndieWire critic David Ehrlich described it as a "speculative, feverish, and altogether rapturous biopic" that serves as an allegory for the struggles and passions of artistic creation itself. Source: [IndieWire, "‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ Teaser Trailer: Mona Fastvold Delivers Another Epic About an American Iconoclast", Nov 6, 2025].

The Accomplished Filmmakers Behind the Epic Vision

This audacious project is a testament to the creative partnership between Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet. Their previous collaborations have consistently delivered films that are both critically lauded and visually distinct. "The Brutalist," directed by Corbet and co-written with Fastvold, was a prime example, earning 10 Academy Award nominations and winning three, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody, Cinematography, and Original Score. It also took home three Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture (Drama), Director (for Corbet), and Actor. Source: [Variety, "‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ Trailer: Amanda Seyfried Gets Best Actress Oscar Buzz in Religious Drama From ‘The Brutalist’ Filmmakers", Nov 6, 2025].

Their shared vision extends to earlier works like "The World to Come," "The Childhood of a Leader," and "Vox Lux," where they’ve explored complex characters and historical narratives with a distinct stylistic flair. Fastvold's directorial approach, combined with Corbet's co-writing and producing, consistently results in "bold American epics" that resonate with audiences and critics alike. Their ability to craft visually rich and emotionally resonant stories with ambitious storytelling techniques makes them a filmmaking duo to watch.

Practical Takeaways: Your Guide to "The Testament of Ann Lee"

• Mark Your Calendar: "The Testament of Ann Lee" is scheduled for a limited release in select US cinemas on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. UK audiences can catch it starting February 20, 2026.
• Prepare for a Unique Experience: This isn't a traditional musical, but a historical drama where the Shaker hymns are reimagined as powerful, choreographed "movements." Expect something visually and sonically distinct.
• Catch it in 70mm: For the most immersive viewing experience, seek out select theaters that will be presenting the film in glorious 70mm.
• Keep an Eye on Awards Season: With Amanda Seyfried already generating Best Actress Oscar buzz and the film's Golden Globe positioning, "The Testament of Ann Lee" is shaping up to be a significant contender.

Frequently Asked Questions About "The Testament of Ann Lee"

When does "The Testament of Ann Lee" release in theaters?

"The Testament of Ann Lee" is set to open in select US theaters on December 25, 2025. For audiences in the UK, the film will be released on February 20, 2026.

Who are the main stars in "The Testament of Ann Lee"?

Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried leads the cast as Ann Lee. She is joined by an impressive ensemble including Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Tim Blake Nelson, Christopher Abbott, Stacy Martin, Matthew Beard, Scott Handy, Viola Prettejohn, Jamie Bogyo, and David Cale.

Is "The Testament of Ann Lee" a traditional musical film?

While it features extensive musical elements, "The Testament of Ann Lee" is described as a historical drama musical that reimagines over a dozen traditional Shaker hymns into "ecstatic movements" rather than traditional song-and-dance numbers. It uses a combination of studio recordings and live singing from the cast.

What is the Shaker Movement?

The Shaker Movement was a devotional sect founded in the 18th century by Ann Lee. Known officially as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, they were characterized by their ecstatic worship (shaking, dancing, singing), advocacy for gender and social equality, pacifism, and belief in celibacy. They established utopian communities, primarily in America, though only a handful of Shakers remain today.

Sources

• Variety, "‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ Trailer: Amanda Seyfried Gets Best Actress Oscar Buzz in Religious Drama From ‘The Brutalist’ Filmmakers", Giana Levy, Nov 6, 2025.
• Deadline, "The Testament Of Ann Lee’ Trailer: Amanda Seyfried Stars As Shaker Founder In Mona Fastvold’s Historical Drama", Denise Petski, Nov 6, 2025.
• IndieWire, "‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ Teaser Trailer: Mona Fastvold Delivers Another Epic About an American Iconoclast", Jim Hemphill, Nov 6, 2025.
• Dark Horizons, "Searchlight Has Premiered Trailer For ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’", Garth Franklin, Nov 6, 2025.
• FilmBook, "THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE (2025) Movie Trailer: Amanda Seyfried is a Religious Figure in Mona Fastvold’s Historical Drama", Rollo Tomasi, Nov 6, 2025.
• Laughing Place, "NEWS: Teaser Trailer Released for The Testament of Ann Lee", Nov 6, 2025.
• Variety - Film News, "‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ With Amanda Seyfried Submits for Comedy/Musical at Golden Globes, Confirms Two Original Songs for Oscar Season (Exclusive)", Clayton Davis, Oct 30, 2025.
• WXIX, "‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ Review: A Masterful Musical Epic", undated, likely Nov 2025.
• BroadwayWorld, "Video/Photos: Amanda Seyfried Stars in New Teaser for THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE", Josh Sharpe, Nov 6, 2025.
• UK Film News, "NEWS: Teaser Trailer Released for The Testament of Ann Lee", Nov 8, 2025.