TL;DR
- The Testament of Ann Lee, a bold new historical-musical drama starring Amanda Seyfried as the 18th-century Shaker founder Ann Lee, has released its first teaser trailer.
- Directed by Mona Fastvold and co-written with Brady Corbet, the film fuses faith, utopian zeal, gender equality and experimental musical sequences.
- The U.S. release is slated for Christmas Day 2025 (on 70 mm film) via Searchlight Pictures, with international markets following.
What is “The Testament of Ann Lee” about?
The Testament of Ann Lee tells the story of the charismatic visionary Ann Lee, founder of the Shaker religious sect, who preached radical principles of gender equality, celibacy and spiritual community in 18th-century England and America.
Under the helm of Mona Fastvold (with Brady Corbet), the film uses musical, choreographed sequences and authentic Shaker hymns reimagined by composer Daniel Blumberg to translate Lee’s mission into a cinematic experience.
What does the trailer reveal?
The teaser shows Amanda Seyfried’s Ann Lee in a transformative arc—from grief-ridden mother losing children, to resolute religious leader claiming a new vision of community and equality. Viewers glimpse stylized worship, ecstatic group movement, stark period settings, and haunting hymn motifs.
The trailer positions the film as bold, experimental and musically inclined—stating it is “Presented in 70 mm. In select theaters Christmas Day.”
Why does this film matter?
This production is significant on several fronts:
Amanda Seyfried is widely credited with delivering one of her most daring performances to date, engaging with intense vocal and physical demands in a role that requires “letting loose,” she says.
The subject matter—the Shaker movement and Ann Lee’s radical female leadership—offers fresh cultural resonance amid discussions of faith, empowerment and alternative societies.
The film’s creative form (musical/historic hybrid, shot on 70 mm film) and its festival pedigree (premiering at the Venice Film Festival) mark it as an art-house contender with mainstream buzz.
When and how can you watch it?
In the U.S., the film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on December 25, 2025, distributed by Searchlight Pictures and partly presented in 70 mm format. In the U.K., the release is expected on February 20, 2026. After the theatrical run, streaming windows will follow depending on territory.
