Fascinating Shaker Tale: "The Testament of Ann Lee" Review

The recent film, "The Testament of Ann Lee" offers a unique look into the life of Shakerism's founding figure, Ann Lee. The Director Mona Fastvold and her co-writer Brady Corbet skillfully imagine the captivating story of one of the earliest American religious sects, known for its principles of celibacy and utopian equality. Many might associate Shakerism with handcrafted furniture, but this film sheds new light on the complex religious movement and its vibrant musical heritage.

The film's particular draw lies in its use of music and dance interweaved into the portrayal of Ann Lee’s life. The music, composed by Oscar-winner Daniel Blumberg, blends traditional Shaker spirituals with an exhilarating soundscape of diverse instruments. The dance choreography, though neither jazz-centric nor Broadway-inspired, breathes life into the narrative.

Mona Fastvold cleverly balances the visual aesthetic between historical authenticity and modern interpretation, a scheme she first showcased in her previous film "The World to Come". "The Testament of Ann Lee" explores the tension between the Shaker lifestyle's ascetic simplicity and the sensual impulses of the current era.

Amanda Seyfried gives a stunning performance as Ann Lee, infusing the role with elemental emotion and unwavering commitment. The film traces Lee's life from her working-class upbringing in England, through personal traumas and losses, to her eventual establishment of her own religious sect, and finally her voyage to America, where Shakerism took root.

The film's narrative emphasis is on communal harmony rather than individual strife, reflecting Shaker doctrine's profound community focus. However, this emphasis results in certain aspects of life like Ann and Abraham’s relationship and Ann’s relationship with her brother William getting less screen time.

A notable aspect of the film is its striking musical numbers, which seem to symbolise the pursuit of spiritual ecstasy within this deeply religious community. In moments like these, Fastvold beautifully captures a snapshot of humanity's endless quest for the divine. "The Testament of Ann Lee" poses thought-provoking questions about faith and spirituality, effectively enveloping viewers in its rich narrative world.