The Testament of Ann Lee

[ScoutOfTheSoftHeartsClub]

Saw it this morning, still not sure what to say about it, though it has left me pondering on a few things.

Two reviews:

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2026/27-february/books-arts/film/film-review-the-testament-of-ann-lee

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/sep/01/the-testament-of-ann-lee-review-shaker-venice-film-festival-amanda-seyfried-mona-fastvold

I haven't seen it, but everything I've heard Amanda Seyfried (who I normally like) say about this film, is a bit....earnest, self important maybe? So I've been put off.

Maybe I'm being unfair to her because I've only really seen her in light things before. Is she doing a Matthew McConaughy with this maybe 🤔? Moving from fun and frothy to serious actor?

The character was certainly ‘earnest’ - with no room for a sense of humour at all. Perhaps AS was channelling that in her interviews? Ann Lee wasn’t shown to be unpleasant in any way, just driven.

But it is a musical! Of sorts. Interestingly one of the reviews notes that the film was 75% dance. And AS performs some of the songs.

I’d go for the visual spectacle - and a sometimes thrilling score.

This is excellent:

https://theartsdesk.com/film/testament-ann-lee-review-no-sex-please-were-shakers

I loved it, my DH less so. I liked the devotional music and worship type dance. I thought AS was very good. She was playing a very driven fervent woman which came across well. It wasn't like anything I've watched before.

The choreography was amazing. And worked with such complexity with the music. Interesting to read that the songs were based on historical examples, though the music wasn’t.

I know a good few musicians and composers and (without spoilering too much , I hope) I immediately longed to talk to them about the way ‘threat’ was handled sonically and instrumentally. That was really striking and impressive.