Discover the overlooked story of Ann Lee, the feminist Shaker leader. Amanda Seyfried stars in this stunning 2025 historical drama, streaming March 10.
- April 6, 2026
AceShowbiz - The Testament of Ann Lee, a visually stunning film from 2025, will be available on digital platforms starting March 10. Directed by Mona Fastvold and co-written with her partner, Academy Award winner Brady Corbet, this historical drama stars Amanda Seyfried as Ann Lee, the charismatic religious leader of the Shaker movement in America.
The movie explores the Shakers, a religious group that aspired to build Heaven on Earth but whose strict commitment to celibacy led to the community's brief existence. Mona Fastvold found inspiration for the film after discovering a Shaker hymn and learning about Ann Lee, whom she describes as a "wild feminist religious leader in late 1700s America." Fastvold felt that Lee's story had been largely overlooked by history and sought to bring it to light through this musical and dramatic portrayal.
The film’s digital release will be available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
The Testament of Ann Lee is unique in its use of music to convey the emotional depth of Ann Lee's experiences — her pain, motherhood struggles, loss of children, and ultimate emergence as the Shaker leader. The soundtrack also features performances by Lewis Pullman and Chris Abbott, adding further depth to the musical narrative.
Along with the film’s release, a special bonus feature titled "The Testament of Ann Lee: A Special Look" will be included. This behind-the-scenes documentary offers viewers insights from the filmmakers and cast, including director/co-writer Mona Fastvold and star Amanda Seyfried. It delves into the research, set design, cinematography, choreography, music, and costume design that contributed to the film's distinctive and captivating atmosphere.
The Testament of Ann Lee chronicles the life of the pioneering spiritual figure who founded the Shaker movement. Ann Lee was revered by her followers as a female Christ figure and established one of America’s most notable utopian communities, distinguished by its worship through song and dance.
The film runs for 137 minutes and debuted in theaters on December 25, 2025. It is categorized as a drama with historical and musical elements, emphasizing themes of compassion, empathy, community, and charismatic leadership. The production team includes producers Viktória Petrányi, Lillian LaSalle, Sinan Eczac?ba??, Klaudia ?mieja-Rostworowska, Joshua Horsfield, Andrew Morrison, Mark Lampert, Brady Corbet, Gregory Jankilevitsch, and Mona Fastvold herself.
Executive producers Megan Ellison, Patrick Chu, Adam Paulsen, Kyle Stroud, and others provided support to bring this unique story to the screen. The film’s detailed craftsmanship in set and costume design, along with its evocative musical score, creates a spellbinding visual and auditory experience that honors the Shakers' legacy.
Amanda Seyfried portrays Ann Lee’s spiritual intensity and personal struggles with authenticity and grace.
With the digital release on March 10, viewers will have the opportunity to explore this beautifully crafted film in the comfort of their homes. The addition of the bonus feature provides a richer understanding of the creative process behind The Testament of Ann Lee, making it a must-watch for fans of historical drama and musical cinema alike.
Overall, The Testament of Ann Lee stands as a tribute to the dream and silence surrounding Ann Lee’s story.