‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ Trailer: Historical Drama From Mona Fastvold & ‘The Brutalist’ Director Brady Corbet Arrives In Theaters This December

How will “The Testament of Ann Lee,” the newest collaboration between filmmaking couple Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold, fare this awards season compared to Corbet’s “The Brutalist”? That’s the big question as Fastvold’s latest approaches its theatrical release date, and Searchlight Pictures has a new trailer for the film to drum up hype.

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Fastvold and her partner co-wrote the historical drama musical that had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this Fall. Based on real events, “Testament” follows 18th-century Shaker leader Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried), who was proclaimed the female Christ by her followers, on her quest to build a utopian society in early colonial America. Like Corbet and Fastvold’s previous collaboration, “The Brutalist,” their latest is somewhat of an epic; an ambitious film made on a relatively tight budget. Oh, and composer Daniel Blumberg is back from “The Brutalist” as well, so expect “Testament” to be a favorite in that section come this awards season.

Here’s an official synopsis for “The Testament Of Ann Lee,” courtesy of Searchlight Pictures:

“The Testament of Ann Lee” is a musical retelling of the life of Ann Lee, the 18th-century founder of the Shaker religious movement, and believed to be the female incarnation of Christ. The film depicts the Shakers’ quest to build a utopian society based on their beliefs. Their worship is characterized by enthusiastic song and dance, which is central to the film’s musical and choreographed elements. It explores themes of religious persecution, gender equality, and the struggle for belonging and communal grace.

Along with Seyfried, “Testament” also stars Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie, Stacy Martin, Christoper Abbott, and Tim Blake Nelson. 

Fastvold directs a script by her and Corbet for “The Testament Of Ann Lee.” Executive producers on the film include Scott Aharoni, Claude Amadeo, Max Burger, Diana Chen, Patrick Chu, Marcin Czarnik, Michael D’Alto, and dozens more.

As noted earlier, Fastvold’s latest had its world premiere on the Lido in Venice this past September. Reviews for the film were generally positive, with The Playlist’s review (read it here) awarding it glowing praise.

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“The Testament of Ann Lee” hits select theaters on December 25. Watch the new trailer for the historical drama below.

Josh Halpern

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