I’ve by no means seen something fairly like “The Testomony of Ann Lee.” That is the kind of hyperbolic opening assertion I often wish to keep away from when crafting a evaluation, however Mona Fastvold’s gloriously distinctive religious musical is really certainly one of a sort — a swooning, dizzying expertise stuffed with music and dance meant to conjure up a form of spiritual ecstasy. I am unsure the sort of film is destined to discover a extensive viewers, however I’m completely thrilled it exists. Are you bored with the identical outdated slop being churned out by Hollywood? Are you tired of lifeless musicals that fail to quicken the heart beat and rile up the blood? The reply to your prayers is right here within the type of “The Testomony of Ann Lee,” top-of-the-line motion pictures of the yr.
Amanda Seyfried, who has one other film opening this month, offers arguably the very best efficiency of 2025 as Ann Lee, the girl who lead the Shaker (or “Shaking Quakers”) motion within the 1700s. The Shakers have been a spiritual sect that used music and dance as a type of worship, and Fastvold makes use of that idea and runs wild with it, making a musical stuffed with haunting, sensual actions and songs that encourage a sense of being enveloped by some kind of supernatural drive. Composer Daniel Blumberg took precise Shaker hymns to craft most of the songs within the movie, and whereas I do not assume you may name any of them “toe tappers,” they made the hairs on the again of my neck stand on finish. Listening to them, one can totally perceive why and the way Ann Lee grew to become such a holy determine.
Performed with uncooked, unflinching elation by Seyfried, who has by no means been nearly as good as she is right here, Ann Lee is seen because the Second Coming of Christ who leads her followers from Manchester to America, constructing a neighborhood that takes to the woods to maneuver as in the event that they’re possessed by unseen forces. Choreographer Celia Rowlson-Corridor has discovered a approach to make the dance actions look each spontaneous and meticulously designed, which is gorgeous to behold.
The Testomony of Ann Lee takes the type of a fable
Ann Lee is an illiterate younger girl who falls in love at a spiritual assembly with a person named Abraham, performed by Christopher Abbott. They appear to genuinely be in love, not less than at first, and their union produces 4 youngsters. Sadly, all 4 youngsters die shortly after childbirth, and the shock and grief appear to open Ann’s eyes to the reality: abstinence is the important thing to getting near God. She shortly rises from congregant to chief, instructing her followers to surrender all fleshly need — an idea that does not sit very properly with the lustful Abraham.
There are lots of methods Fastvold, writing the script with Brady Corbet (the duo additionally co-wrote final yr’s great “The Brutalist”), might’ve approached this story. A extra cynical filmmaker could have even taken a winking, mocking strategy. However Fastvold discovered herself genuinely moved by Ann Lee’s story whereas doing analysis, and treats the practically forgotten spiritual determine with respect and reverence. That is to not say the movie is flat-out confirming that Ann Lee was the actual deal.
As an alternative, “The Testomony of Ann Lee” takes on a fable-like high quality, with the story narrated by Ann’s closest confidant, Mary Partington, performed with light grace by Thomasin McKenzie. Incessantly, when Mary is about to fill in some particulars about Ann’s life, she begins with the caveat, “There are some who say…” Did any of this occur the way in which it occurs right here? Nicely, some individuals say it did, and that is all we have to know.
See The Testomony of Ann Lee on the massive display
After going through persecution in England, Ann and her followers (together with her devoted brother, performed by Lewis Pullman) head to the brand new world, the place (by means of potential divine intervention) they discover a patch of land close to Albany and start constructing a neighborhood, attracting each new followers and doubters. The journey to America serves as probably the most gorgeous set items of the movie, because the tough sea voyage turns into a take a look at of religion, with the Shakers gaining the respect of the tough crew by means of their perception. By means of trials and tribulation, Ann Lee’s religion by no means wavers, at the same time as some near her — like her husband — start to develop weary.
The actors all carry out their very own singing, which solely heightens the expertise. Seyfried, who has sung in a number of movies already, has a wonderful voice, whereas others are a bit extra tough and clumsy. Pullman’s singing voice, for example, is barely off-key, and but that solely enhances his character as he spreads the message his sister needs to deliver to the world. The musical numbers are all jaw-dropping of their uniqueness, as cinematographer William Rexer glides the digicam by means of crowded rooms and huge open areas, all whereas the actors fold themselves over each other, twisting about as if their actions are being guided by a divine hand.
Each side of the movie is pitch-perfect, nevertheless it’s Seyfried’s efficiency that retains every little thing flowing. Seyfried works exhausting to make Ann Lee appear real, flawed even, — achingly human all whereas striving to transcend into one thing inhuman on the identical time. “The Testomony of Ann Lee” is not attempting to persuade us that Ann Lee actually was the Second Coming of Christ, however fairly displaying us how so many individuals may need believed that she was. The movie is not within the establishment of organized faith as a lot as it’s the idea of pure, unflinching religion. It’s in some way secular and religious abruptly. What a marvel, what a pleasure it’s to see a movie like this. It’s totally existence appears like a form of miracle.
/Movie Ranking: 10 out of 10
“The Testomony of Ann Lee” opens in theaters on December 25, 2025.
