Director: Mona Fastvold
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie
Genre: Musify
It’s always a conundrum when a movie that is not marketed as a musical includes music and dancing, because this can delay the storyline and limit the facts. That can be a problem. Titanic (1997) and The Great Gatsby (2013) are classic examples. But there are plenty of musical movies such as The Blues Brothers (1980) and This is Spinal Tap (1984) which feature great music, but they’re also comedies which helps.
The Testament of Ann Lee is about the Shakers, a religious cult founded by Ann Lee that peaked in the USA in the mid-19th century (6,000 members then, 2 now!). It worshipped through song and dance, aspects which were disturbing to many Americans back in the day, leading to violent attacks. On screen, the stylised wild dancing was a bit freaky, though impressive and entertaining, but became distracting and tedious to an extent.
There were many other aspects of the cult that were disturbing or controversial too, such as mandatory celibacy. But depending on perspective, the utopian and spiritual society’s equal treatment of males and females, and its agriculture, architecture, craft and collective property ownership had a positive impact on the USA.
Historical bio-movies can be tough to make and watch. and in many cases, a documentary might be more relevant and effective. That’s where a film such as the current Academy Award contender Sinners (2025) is a great example as it’s inspired by historical facts but does not restrict the entertainment value and amusement (and it has better music!).
The Testament of Ann Lee isn’t always very entertaining or amusing, though it’s worth watching if Shaker history is curious to you.
Rating: Two and-a-half concerts
