Mona Fastvold’s “The Testament of Ann Lee” isn’t a film you simply watch; it’s a cinematic experience that lingers, unsettling and captivating in equal measure. Premiering March 12th, the film delves into the life of Ann Lee, the 18th-century founder of the Shaker sect, presenting a portrait that is both historically grounded and profoundly enigmatic. It’s a film that demands attention, provoking a visceral reaction – a desire to escape, coupled with an irresistible pull to remain seated, grappling with its challenging narrative and arresting visuals.
Ann Lee’s story, as depicted in Fastvold’s film, is one of hardship and spiritual awakening. Born in Manchester, England, in 1736, Lee’s life was marked by poverty, loss and a relentless search for meaning. She ultimately led her followers to America, establishing a community founded on radical principles of equality and celibacy. But “The Testament of Ann Lee” isn’t a straightforward biopic; it’s a deeply atmospheric and unconventional exploration of faith, female empowerment, and the complexities of utopian ideals. The film, shot with a consistent use of analog material, eschews traditional historical drama tropes, opting instead for a visceral and often unsettling approach.
The film portrays Lee’s early life as one steeped in the harsh realities of the Industrial Revolution. Women, the film suggests, were often reduced to their reproductive capabilities, subject to the desires of men. Lee’s own experiences – a difficult marriage and the loss of four children – are presented not as mere biographical details, but as formative traumas that shaped the Shaker’s strict adherence to celibacy. This isn’t a psychological deep-dive, but rather a suggestion of the origins of the Shaker’s core tenets. As Britannica details, Lee’s visions and her status as “Mother Ann,” revered as a second Jesus, led her and her followers to seek religious freedom in America.
Amanda Seyfried delivers a commanding performance as Ann Lee, embodying both her strength and her vulnerability. The film doesn’t shy away from the ecstatic, often unsettling, rituals of the Shakers – their rhythmic dances, resembling a form of Christian Tai-Chi, are depicted with a raw intensity. These dances, as the film illustrates, were not merely religious practices, but expressions of liberation and connection to the divine. The choreography, by Celia Rowlson-Hall, is described as powerfully conveying the movement from unrestrained expression to the ritualized constraints of the Shaker community. Adding to the film’s unique soundscape, Daniel Blumberg, who previously won a film score Oscar for “The Brutalist,” has reimagined Shaker songs and gospel music, creating a score that is both haunting and deeply moving.
A Radical Departure from Traditional Biopics
Fastvold’s approach is a deliberate departure from conventional historical filmmaking. She doesn’t offer effortless answers or a sanitized version of events. Instead, she presents a complex and ambiguous portrait of a woman who challenged societal norms and founded a movement that, even as ultimately facing its own challenges, left a lasting impact on American culture, particularly in the realms of art and design. As noted in WELT, the Shakers are perhaps more remembered for their contributions to craftsmanship and interior architecture than for their theological impact.
The film echoes themes explored in Fastvold and Brady Corbet’s previous collaboration, “The Brutalist,” which also examined the experience of displacement and the search for identity in a new land. Both films grapple with the complexities of the American dream and the disillusionment that can accompany it. “The Testament of Ann Lee” doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the Shaker story – the eventual backlash and persecution they faced, a “witch hunt” fueled by patriarchal forces. The film suggests that even in the pursuit of utopian ideals, the forces of oppression can find a way to reassert themselves.
Oscar Snub or Simply Unconventional?
Despite critical acclaim, “The Testament of Ann Lee” was notably absent from the Oscar nominations this year, leading some to label it a significant “snub.” The film’s unconventional style and challenging subject matter may have contributed to its omission. However, its enduring power lies in its refusal to conform to expectations. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on themes of faith, freedom, and the enduring struggle for equality. The film’s ambiguity and willingness to embrace discomfort are precisely what develop it so compelling.
“The Testament of Ann Lee” opens in theaters on March 12th. It’s a film that demands to be experienced, a challenging and rewarding cinematic journey into the life of a remarkable woman and the legacy of a radical movement.
