Amanda Seyfried Stars in 'The Testament of Anne Lee' as Historical Drama Debuts in UK Cinemas

On February 27, 2026, the historical musical drama "The Testament of Anne Lee," directed by Mona Fastvold, made its highly anticipated debut in cinemas across the United Kingdom. The film features Amanda Seyfried in the lead role as Mother Anne Lee, the visionary founder of the Shaker movement. This cinematic work meticulously traces Lee’s transformative journey from her humble beginnings in Manchester, England, to the development of her radical convictions regarding pacifism and gender equality. Fastvold has characterized the production as a "speculative reimagining" of this enigmatic and often controversial religious figure, offering a fresh perspective on her life and legacy.

Captured on authentic 35mm film to enhance its period atmosphere, the movie features a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack crafted by composer Daniel Blumberg. Blumberg, who previously garnered an Oscar for his work on the film "The Most Violent Man in the World," collaborated closely with Fastvold starting from the pre-production phase to establish an avant-garde musical environment. The score incorporates ten traditional Shaker hymns alongside three original compositions, most notably "Clothed with the Sun," a duet featuring Seyfried herself. The narrative places significant emphasis on Lee’s establishment of celibacy as a fundamental tenet of her faith and her subsequent relocation to America, where her movement faced intense opposition.

Anne Lee was born on February 29, 1736, in Manchester, England, and emerged as a charismatic leader whose beliefs set her apart from the Quaker community she originally belonged to. Her advocacy for the total equality of the sexes and the rejection of traditional marriage were revolutionary for the time. In 1774, accompanied by eight dedicated followers, Lee departed from England with the goal of establishing a "millennial church" in the New World. By 1776, the group had settled in Niskayuna, New York, where Lee continued to preach her radical ideas, including the concept of God possessing both male and female natures. Her status as a female preacher made her a rare figure in the United States prior to 1800.

The film delves deeply into the personal tragedies that shaped Lee’s spiritual doctrine, particularly her difficult marriage to Abraham, portrayed by Christopher Abbott. The heartbreaking loss of all four of her infant children served as a catalyst for her insistence on celibacy as the only true path to salvation from sin. To convey the weight of this trauma, the movie includes three visceral birth scenes that illustrate the physical and emotional toll of her early life. These experiences are presented as the foundation for her religious conviction and her eventual rise as a powerful spiritual authority.

Beyond the narrative depth, "The Testament of Anne Lee" utilizes interpretive dance and song to illustrate the ecstatic nature of Shaker worship, which famously involved rhythmic shaking and dancing. This aspect of the film was brought to life through the choreography of Celia Rowlson-Hall. Amanda Seyfried, a native of Pennsylvania, has received widespread critical acclaim for her performance, with many reviewers hailing it as the finest of her career. The impressive ensemble cast also includes Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, and Christopher Abbott. Following its theatrical run, the film is scheduled for a digital release on March 10, 2026.