Film Review

‘The Testament of Ann Lee’: A Disturbing Take on Shakerism

All early American religions intended, ultimately, for humans to achieve salvation, but American Shakerism was a do-or-die, sainthood-or-bust version.
‘The Testament of Ann Lee’: A Disturbing Take on Shakerism
Mother Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried, center) preaching, in "The Testament of Ann Lee." Annapurna Pictures
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
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R | 2h 17m | Drama, Biopic | 2025

“The Testament of Ann Lee,” the third feature film by Norwegian director Mona Fastvold, is a biopic about “Mother” Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried), the titular founder of the 18th-century evangelical religious group known as the “Shakers,” an offshoot sect of the Quaker religion.

Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson
Film Critic
Mark Jackson is the senior film critic for The Epoch Times and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. Mark earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Williams College, followed by classical theater conservatory training, and has 20 years' experience as a New York professional actor. He narrated The Epoch Times audiobook "How the Specter of Communism Is Ruling Our World," available on iTunes, Audible, and YouTube. Mark is featured in the book "How to Be a Film Critic in Five Easy Lessons" by Christopher K. Brooks. In addition to films, he enjoys Harley-Davidsons, rock-climbing, qigong, martial arts, and human rights activism.
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