THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE

From Manchester to New York, this musical film follows founder of the Shaker movement, Ann Lee on her quest for spiritual perfection.

The Testament of Ann Lee, Mona Fastvold

From Manchester to New York, The Testament of Ann Lee (2025), traces Mother Lee’s trauma-shaped quest for spiritual perfection. Founder of the Shaker movement and self-proclaimed female embodiment of Christ, her unwavering beliefs built a devoted community of followers persecuted for their difference and mystery. The presentation of her story in musical form, helps to brilliantly convey the Shaker’s ecstatic form of worship, whilst the film invites us to reconsider how trance functions in religious movements and how societies judge or celebrate it today.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Release Date: February 20th 2026
Director(s): Mona Fastvold Written: Brady Corbett, Mona Fastvold
Producers: Scott Aharoni
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie Cinematographer: William Rexer Distributor: Searchlight Pictures
Runtime: 137 minutes