Explore the Screenplay of Mona Fastvold’s “The Testament of Ann Lee” and Its Impactful Storytelling
The Testament of Ann Lee: A Musical Exploration of an 18th Century Spiritual Leader
The Testament of Ann Lee is an ambitious musical that recounts the life of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker movement in the 18th century. Amanda Seyfried stars as the religious leader, capturing the radical beginnings of a sect known for its ecstatic worship and belief in equality.
The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it garnered immediate attention. Following its debut, Searchlight Pictures acquired the movie, which was subsequently nominated for Best Feature at the Gotham Awards. Seyfried received accolades, securing nominations for Best Actress from both the Gothams and the Golden Globes, as well as the Critics Choice Awards. The film opened in theaters on December 25.
Structured in three acts, the narrative traces major milestones in Lee’s life, starting with her impoverished childhood in pre-industrial Manchester, England. The first act portrays the devastating loss of her four children in infancy, a tragedy that ignites her spiritual evolution. Lee advocates for holiness through celibacy and the rejection of traditional marriage, views that eventually lead to her being labeled a heathen and confined to a mental asylum. During her imprisonment, she experiences visions that lead her to see herself as a female reincarnation of Christ and God’s representative on Earth.
The second act follows Lee and a small group of devoted followers, including her husband Abraham and brother William, as they embark on a transatlantic journey to the New World in 1774. This voyage marks their escape from the constraints of Manchester and sets the stage for their efforts to build a utopian community in Albany County, New York. There, they establish the colony of Niskayuna, adhering to principles of celibacy, social equality, and a pursuit of perfection through labor. The film culminates with Lee’s death at age 48 in 1784, following an attack on the community by neighbors fearful of their radical beliefs.
A central theme of the film is radical feminism, with director Fastvold portraying Lee as a pioneering figure often overlooked in history. Her movement provided refuge for those estranged from mainstream society, offering an alternative to the restrictive Church of England. This quest for a utopian existence embodies a deep yearning for communal grace and justice, akin to the creative impulses inherent in all artistic endeavors.
Additionally, the production delves into spiritual ecstasy through movement and song, transforming worship into a vibrant musical experience. The physical expressions of faith—shaking, trembling, and exuberant acts of devotion—are depicted as profound communal experiences. The rigid rules of Shaker life offer redemption for those like Lee, who have faced deep grief. This intertwining of labor, craftsmanship, and spirituality reflects the Shaker belief that shaping the world through work embodies a form of transcendence.
For a deeper dive, the full screenplay is available below.
