The Confession of Ann Leeis different from any film I have ever watched – it's more like an experience rather than a traditional movie – and may not appeal to certain moviegoers.
It's very dramatic, innovative, and occasionally strange, yet it is so dedicated to its bold style that I was not only convinced, but genuinely touched. There's also a top-notch acting performance fromAmanda Seyfried in the eponymous role.
From the group that created The Brutalist, which impressedVenice Film Festival last year and became a favorite during the award season, this time with Mona Fastvold as the director while The Brutalist's director Brady Corbet serves as producer and co-screenwriter alongside Fastvold, his partner in real life.
They have returned to the Lido just 12 months later. However, this is entirely different: the only elements that genuinely connect these two films are the exceptional skill and commitment of their creative teams and the low budget –this time $10million (£7.4m).
Both films have a general theme of moving to America in search of a better life, but that's where the similarities end. The Testament of Ann Lee is a historical musical epic that stands apart from any other musical or biopic. It is completely unique.
The intense reaction it caused among fans is best illustrated by the numerous people who left during my screening, after which it received one of the longest standing ovations at Venice this year, lasting 15 minutes.
Seyfried portrays Ann Lee, the leader of the Shakers, a religious group known for their intense, full-body physical expressions of devotion to God – including moaning, stomping, writhing, and striking their chests, as they believed this practice helped remove sin – while also leading celibate lives.
The music and dance arrangements in The Testament of Ann Lee play a vital role in shaping its overall effect, and are among the most striking elements of the movie.
Daniel Blumberg, the Oscar winner for The Brutalist, has created eerie yet beautiful melodies that can transport you into a state of blissful trance, lingering in my mind even days after. His remarkable composition is inspired by actual Shaker hymns and verses.
The soundtrack is almost non-stop, driving the film and contributing significantly to its strength – when paired with Celia Rowlson-Hall's powerful dance sequences, the result is truly captivating. The actors' motions align perfectly with the music being played, blending effortlessly together.
It's quite a lot to take in due to its experimental style, combined with a film that can be confusing at times – so you need to be open and patient for The Testament of Ann Lee to make an impact on you.
Amanda Seyfried portrays Ann, a devout yet self-reliant woman from a humble working-class background in 18th-century Manchester, who never learned to read.
But by participating in the Quaker worship group led by Jane and James Wardley (Stacy Martin and Scott Handy) along with her brother William (Lewis Pullman), she discovers tranquility, motivation, and ultimately takes on a leadership position as 'Mother Ann', with her followers convinced that she is the reincarnation of Jesus Christ.
Seyfried skillfully manages this challenging part, which requires much from her, including a Manchester accent (mostly effective) and a significant amount of singing, giving her the chance to demonstrate her talents.her gorgeous, soaring vocals.
The Confession of Ann Lee: Important information
Director
Mon Fastvold
Writer
Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet
Cast
Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie, Christopher Abbott, Stacy Martin, Scott Handy, Tim Blake Nelson, David Cale, Matthew Beard
Age rating
TBC
Run time
2hr 10m
Release date
A release date in the UK has not been revealed yet.
Ann endures a very challenging life filled with more than her share of struggles: following a reluctant marriage to her husband Abraham (Christopher Abbott), she experiences the birth and subsequent death of four children during their infancy—depicted in violent, explicit detail—with this pain influencing her decision to embrace celibacy.
Her divine visions are depicted by Fastvold as magnificent artworks that may border on hallucinations, or even insanity – Ann is confined and starving during this period – yet without any criticism. Seyfried does not exaggerate her performance, revealing to us a devoted woman with unwavering bravery in her beliefs.
The fervor of The Testament of Ann Lee occasionally makes the film seem a bit unconventional, yet this aligns well with a movie centered on what is essentially a cult, albeit a gentle one, emphasizing unity and togetherness. At its height in 1840s America, the Shakers had approximately 6,000 members, whereas now they are down to just a few.
It appears that Lee was frequently regarded as overly radical for many during her lifetime, which makes it appropriate that this musical biographical film and its method of narrating her story is so distinctive, resulting in a highly compelling and personal historical drama.
It may not appeal to all, but if you give yourself over to it, The Testament of Ann Lee offers a deeply meaningful encounter. There has been nothing quite like it before.
Verdict
The Testament of Ann Lee is an intense and emotional film, featuring musical sequences that are hard to forget – provided you accept the movie's dramatic flair and eccentricity.
The confession of Ann Lee debuted at the Venice Film Festival on September 1. The UK release date is still pending confirmation.
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