Amanda Seyfried Stars in 'The Testament of Ann Lee,' a Unique Musical at Venice Film Festival

Amanda Seyfried takes on a transformative role as Ann Lee, the 18th-century leader of the Shaker religious movement, in the upcoming musical film "The Testament of Ann Lee," premiering at the Venice Film Festival. The film explores Lee's journey from a child laborer in northern England to a celibate spiritual leader of the Shakers in America.

Norwegian director Mona Fastvold emphasized the rarity of such a story centering on a female historical figure, stating, "How many stories have we seen about male icons on a grand scale? How many stories again and again and again? Can we not get to see one story about a woman like this?"

Fastvold praised Seyfried for her capacity to embody the character's complexity, describing her as "a little mad" and able to convey both tenderness and intense spiritual fervor. Seyfried herself discussed the freedom she experienced during filming, especially when portraying Ann Lee's trance-like ecstatic rituals that gave the Shakers their name. "Anything goes because there's so much freedom, and the only threat is to not use that freedom to your advantage as an artist to go as far deep as you can go to make the craziest sounds," Seyfried remarked.

Despite initial reservations about mastering the English accent, Seyfried was convinced to take the role by Fastvold's passion for the project. The film uniquely blends drama, choreographed ritual dances, and rhythmic songs inspired by nearly 1,000 original Shaker hymns.

The Shakers, officially known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, advocated celibacy, gender equality, simplicity, and communal labor, also earning recognition for their distinctive architecture and furniture design.

Co-writer Brady Corbet, Fastvold's husband and director of the acclaimed film "The Brutalist," highlighted the challenges of financing such an unconventional musical, noting the difficulty in marketing "a Shaker musical" to investors. The production was completed on a $10 million budget.

"The Testament of Ann Lee" marks Fastvold's third feature film and stands among 21 contenders for the prestigious Golden Lion award, which will be announced on September 6 at the festival.