Amanda Seyfried Portrays Shakers Founder Ann Lee in Experimental Venice Film

Amanda Seyfried takes on the challenging role of Ann Lee, founder of the Shakers, in the Venice Film Festival selection ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ directed by Mona Fastvold. The film, co-written by Fastvold and Brady Corbet, is a speculative retelling rather than a traditional musical or biopic, combining historical narrative with experimental movement and music. Seyfried, known for her versatility and powerful performances, explores Lee’s radical beliefs, including celibacy, communal living, and gender equality, portraying her as a visionary who claimed to be a female incarnation of Christ. The Shakers’ worship practices, which involved trembling, dancing, and ecstatic hymns, are brought to life through choreography by Celia Rowlson-Hall and a score by Oscar-winning composer Daniel Blumberg. Seyfried emphasized the freedom she experienced on set, praising Fastvold’s guidance and the supportive artistic environment, which allowed her to fully embrace the physical and vocal demands of the role. The film features a diverse cast including Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, and Stacy Martin. Fastvold described the project as a tribute to Lee’s utopian vision and her desire for justice, noting the creative potential inherent in retelling her story through music and movement. ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ had its world premiere at Venice Film Festival, running from August 27 to September 6, 2025.