Hulu Now Features One of 2025’s Best-Kept Drama Secrets
Hulu currently features the film that has left many audiences and critics baffled by its Oscar omission.
The Testament of Ann Lee showcases Amanda Seyfried in the leading role of the founder of the Shaker religious movement from the 18th century.
Helmed by Mona Fastvold (co-writer of The Brutalist), this film is a striking and passionate epic that brings life to a historically overlooked figure while melding various genres.
Despite being a significant Oscar snub, many consider it one of the finest films of 2025.
Watch With Us explains why you should see The Testament of Ann Lee immediately.
It’s a Captivating and Ambitious Genre Fusion
The Testament of Ann Lee explores Lee’s life from childhood to her death and the eventual disbandment of the Shaker movement she initiated. Though rooted in the 18th century, Ann Lee established the Shaker movement on principles of social and gender equality, inspiring a devoted following. Co-written with her husband, Brady Corbet (director of The Brutalist), this film masterfully blends genres to create a unique historical biopic.
The film interlaces folk horror and drama in a deeply affecting manner, paired with mesmerizing musical sequences inspired by Shaker hymns composed by Daniel Blumberg and choreographed by Celia Rowlson Hall. This innovative fusion is executed beautifully, setting the film apart from typical biopics. With expert technical craftsmanship shot on stunning 35mm film using natural lighting, it presents a vivid emotional representation of religious ecstasy.
Amanda Seyfried Delivers the Performance of Her Lifetime
© Searchlight Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Seyfried’s vocal talent is well-known, showcased in her roles in both Mamma Mia! films and the adaptation of Les Misérables. However, The Testament of Ann Lee challenges her singing abilities alongside a high-powered performance that she executes with ease. Over the years, Seyfried has proven herself as a director’s dream, collaborating with acclaimed figures like Atom Egoyan, David Lynch, Paul Schrader, Noah Baumbach, and David Fincher. But her artistic synergy with Fastvold is particularly noteworthy, leading to a truly immersive portrayal.
In this role, Seyfried encounters the weight of immense grief from losing her children, coupled with her unwavering belief that she embodies the female incarnation of Christ. Alongside the emotional challenges, she also navigates physically demanding musical numbers that require her to embody the Shakers’ dance style while expressing her character’s divine possession. Her raw vocal performance enhances the film’s haunting atmosphere, resulting in an earnest representation of profound religious conviction.
The Film Highlights a Trailblazing Pioneer
One of The Testament of Ann Lee’s strongest elements is its dedication to authenticity in portraying religious devotion. Instead of adopting a cynical viewpoint toward the beliefs of the Shakers (which included a staunch commitment to celibacy), Fastvold and her team depict these beliefs with vivid respect through direction, tone, performances, and musical sequences. The film immerses viewers in the Shaker community and Ann Lee’s perspective, presenting their ecstatic worship as a genuine religious experience filled with a sense of togetherness.
Amanda Seyfried took a bold step into her character’s world in The Testament of Ann Lee, wearing explicit prosthetics. “This film required a graphic representation,” Seyfried, 40, shared during her February 25 appearance on BBC Radio 2. “So, I wore a prosthetic butthole, and it was exhilarating.” She went on to explain, “I was pregnant […]
Furthermore, the film acts as an essential recognition of a forgotten female figure in American history. Ann Lee emerged as a significant yet underrated visionary who endured considerable suffering for her dedication to her movement (even when her utopian ideals were often contradictory). Subject to persecution and accusations of witchcraft, she faced frequent imprisonment, yet her resolve in her beliefs remained steadfast. Ann Lee may have been a deeply flawed individual, but The Testament of Ann Lee is determined to celebrate her contributions alongside the many men we continue to remember.
