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Preview by Jon Donnis
Searchlight Pictures is preparing to bring something a little different to streaming this May, with The Testament of Ann Lee arriving on Disney+ on 13 May. At its centre is a figure many viewers may not know, yet one whose story seems to carry a surprising amount of weight.
Directed and written by Mona Fastvold, the film places Amanda Seyfried in the role of Ann Lee, the spiritual leader of the Shakers. She is portrayed as a determined and unconventional force, someone who pushes against the expectations of her time while advocating for gender and social equality. Fastvold herself has described Lee as a “wild feminist religious leader”, a striking phrase that hints at the tone the film is aiming for. It is not just a period piece, but an attempt to reframe a life that history has largely left in the margins.
The structure leans heavily on music, with reimagined Shaker hymns woven throughout the narrative. These are not simply decorative touches. They act as both emotional anchors and storytelling devices, reflecting Lee’s inner life while guiding the audience through her journey. It gives the film a slightly unusual rhythm, somewhere between traditional drama and something more lyrical.
Alongside Seyfried, the cast brings in Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, and Stacy Martin, each adding to what appears to be a tightly focused ensemble. The film has already made a mark on the festival circuit, collecting awards and drawing nominations, including recognition for Seyfried’s performance at the Golden Globes. That early reception suggests a film that resonates strongly, even if it sits outside the mainstream.
Critics have responded well so far, with an 86 percent Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The praise tends to circle around its bold storytelling and the strength of its performances, both of which seem central to its appeal. There is a sense that this is a film willing to take risks in how it presents its subject, rather than smoothing it into something more familiar.
At its core, The Testament of Ann Lee tells the story of a woman striving to build a better society, driven by belief and conviction. It explores both the ecstasy and the strain of that pursuit, capturing the tension between idealism and reality. As it moves to Disney+, it feels positioned as a thoughtful, character driven release that may well linger with viewers after it ends.
On Disney+ on 13 May
