The Testament of Ann Lee (2025): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
The Testament of Ann Lee is a 2025 biographical musical directed by Mona Fastvold, starring Amanda Seyfried as Ann Lee, Daniel Blumberg and Lewis Pullman. It runs 2 hours 17 minutes and earned $4.2 million worldwide on a $10 million budget. Critics gave it 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.4/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 17m (137 min)
- Director
- Mona Fastvold
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Kaplan Morrison
- Budget
- $10M
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is The Testament of Ann Lee About?
The premise of The Testament of Ann Lee without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Writer‑director Mona Fastvold brings the true story of Ann Lee, founder of the Shakers, to life. Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried portrays Lee, a charismatic leader who championed gender and social equality. The film intertwines her quest for a utopian community with re‑imagined Shaker hymns performed as kinetic dance scenes choreographed by Celia Rowlson‑Hall and an original score by Oscar‑winning composer Daniel Blumberg.
The Testament of Ann Lee Themes & Keywords
· 13 tags- female full frontal nudity
- female frontal nudity
- male rear nudity
- male nudity
- female nudity
- breast feeding
- female rear nudity
- female topless nudity
- shaker
- sex scene
- bare chested male
- doggystyle sex
+1 more Show fewer
- sexual violence
The Testament of Ann Lee Cast & Characters
Amanda Seyfried leads the cast as Ann Lee, with Daniel Blumberg as Deacon Talmadge Bishop and Lewis Pullman as William Lee. Directed by Mona Fastvold; 20 actors are credited in all.
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Director Mona Fastvold
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Amanda Seyfried as Ann Lee - Daniel Blumberg as Deacon Talmadge Bishop
-
Lewis Pullman as William Lee -
Stacy Martin as Jane Wardley
Also Starring in The Testament of Ann Lee
· 16 more- Matthew Beard James Whittaker
- Scott Handy James Wardley
- Christopher Abbott Abraham Standerin
- Thomasin McKenzie Mary Partington, Narrator
- David Cale John Hocknell
- Jeremy Wheeler John Townley
- Viola Prettejohn Nancy Lee
- Tim Blake Nelson Pastor Reuben Wright
- George Taylor George Whitefield
- Scott Alexander Young Chief Magistrate Tideswell
- Willem van der Vegt Ann's Father
- Millie-Rose Crossley Ann Lee (12 Yrs)
- Maria Sand Ann's Mother
- Esmee Hewett Ann Lee (6 Yrs)
- Harry Conway William Lee (10 Yrs)
- Benjamin Bagota William Lee (4 Yrs)
More from Mona Fastvold
More films directed by Mona Fastvold, best-rated first: The World to Come, The Testament of Ann Lee and The Sleepwalker.
The Testament of Ann Lee Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Testament of Ann Lee 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 80 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (45).
The Testament of Ann Lee Echo Score Breakdown
The Testament of Ann Lee delivers a visually striking historical musical that showcases strong direction and production values, while its narrative momentum wanes in the latter half. Performances, especially by Amanda Seyfried, are widely praised for depth and intensity, though some viewers find the character dynamics underdeveloped. The film’s sensory components—music, sound design, and period‑accurate cinematography—receive consistent commendation, yet the stretched plot and uneven pacing limit its rewatch appeal. Overall, the work stands as a bold, if uneven, cinematic experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art and craft, the film is lauded for its meticulous production design, vivid cinematography, and ambitious scale. Critics note the large‑scale detail and historical authenticity, while users compliment the grainy 70mm shots and period‑accurate costumes. A few dissenters cite pretentious direction, yet the majority of commentary highlights a high level of technical execution, resulting in a strong visual foundation.
- Character & Emotion 75
Character and emotion receive generally positive feedback, anchored by Amanda Seyfried’s lauded performance, described as visceral and career‑best. Critics and users acknowledge the intensity of her portrayal, though some mention limited chemistry among supporting roles. While the lead’s depth resonates, the peripheral characters are viewed as underwritten, creating a mixed but overall favorable impression of the acting ensemble.
- Story & Flow 55
The story aspect elicits mixed reactions, with praise for the compelling first half and criticism of a sluggish second half. Reviewers note the plot’s historical ambition but point to stretched pacing, a lack of emotional engagement, and an anticlimactic conclusion. The narrative’s originality is acknowledged, yet its execution leaves several viewers questioning its overall coherence and impact.
- Sensory Experience 80
Sensory experience is consistently praised, particularly the musical score, sound design, and period‑specific visual style. Critics highlight the film’s incantatory force and the effective integration of musical numbers, while users appreciate the lush soundscape and immersive cinematography. Despite isolated critiques of avant‑garde choreography, the overall sensory design is regarded as a strong, immersive component of the work.
- Rewatch Factor 45
Rewatch factor appears limited, with several reviewers indicating the film’s niche appeal and stretched narrative reduce repeatability. While the visual and musical elements invite appreciation, the perceived lack of sustained story tension and character investment diminish lasting allure. Consequently, the film is seen as a singular viewing experience rather than one that encourages frequent revisits.
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IMDb 6.4 /10
10831 votes
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 85% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 82%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 80 Metascore
User score 6.7
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 63% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.4 /5
129237 ratings
See on Letterboxd
The Testament of Ann Lee Plot Summary
What happens in The Testament of Ann Lee from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In The Testament of Ann Lee, Ann Lee is born in Manchester in 1736, and her early world is a hard mix of factory work and family strain. As a child she witnesses her parents’ intimacy and, alongside the harsh discipline of her father, begins to associate sex with sin; this impression shadows her as she grows, and she eventually takes a cook’s job at a local infirmary. One day, she, her brother William Lee, and their niece visit the home of the Quaker couple Jane Wardley and James Wardley, whose church embraces public confession, spontaneous singing, shouting, and dance as acts of worship. Drawn to this fervent style, Ann becomes a regular in the group of “shaking Quakers” and soon marries fellow believer Abraham Standerin.
Full summary
The whole story of The Testament of Ann Lee, scene by scene
The Testament of Ann Lee Box Office & Budget
The Testament of Ann Lee grossed $4.2 million worldwide on a $10 million budget, 42% of what it cost. $2.5 million came from the US and Canada and $1.7 million (40%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$4.2M
42% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $2.5M
- International
- $1.7M
- Budget
- $10M
The Testament of Ann Lee Trailers & Videos
7 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser, 1 clip, 3 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Teaser Official Teaser
- Clip THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE | "Hunger & Thirst” Performed by Amanda Seyfried - Official Clip
- Featurette Amanda Seyfried talks about being at 'theatre camp' for The Testament of Ann Lee
- Featurette A Conversation with Mona Fastvold, Lewis Pullman and Andrew Morrison on THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE
How Well Do You Know The Testament of Ann Lee?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In what year was Ann Lee born?
The Testament of Ann Lee Also Known As
27 alternative titles, including “The Woman Clothed by the Sun” and “Le Testament d’Ann Lee”.
- Also known as
-
- The Woman Clothed by the Sun
- Le Testament d’Ann Lee
- The Testament of Ann Lee or The Woman Clothed by the Sun With The Moon Under Her Feet
- Anos Lee liudijimas
- The Woman Clothed by the Sun With the Moon at Her Feet
- Svědectví o Ann Lee
- Priča o En Li
- 테스터먼트 오브 앤 리
- 더 테스터먼트 오브 앤 리
- 安李與她的烏托邦
- Testament Ann Lee
- 앤 리의 증언
+15 more Show fewer
- Il testamento di Ann Lee
- Le Testament d'Ann Lee
- Tâm Thư Của Ann Lee
- Заветът на Ан Лий
- Заповіт Енн Лі
- El testimonio de Anne Lee, ენ ლის აღთქმა
- O Testamento de Ann Lee
- Завещание Анны Ли
- 安·李的遗嘱
- El testamento de Ann Lee
- Ann Lee Efsanesi
- צוואתה של אן לי
- アン・リー /はじまりの物語
- Η Διαθήκη της Αν Λι
- Testamentul lui Ann Lee
Seen The Testament of Ann Lee?
Movies Like The Testament of Ann Lee
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Testament of Ann Lee, Anne+: The Film and The Singing Nun.
The Testament of Ann Lee FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Testament of Ann Lee, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Testament of Ann Lee?
The Testament of Ann Lee runs 2 hours 17 minutes (137 minutes).
When was The Testament of Ann Lee released?
The Testament of Ann Lee was released on December 25, 2025.
Who directed The Testament of Ann Lee?
The Testament of Ann Lee was directed by Mona Fastvold.
More films by Mona Fastvold Who is in the cast of The Testament of Ann Lee?
The Testament of Ann Lee stars Amanda Seyfried as Ann Lee, Daniel Blumberg as Deacon Talmadge Bishop and Lewis Pullman as William Lee, among 20 credited actors.
How much did The Testament of Ann Lee make at the box office?
The Testament of Ann Lee grossed $4.2 million worldwide ($2.5 million domestic, $1.7 million international) on a budget of $10 million.
How is The Testament of Ann Lee rated?
The Testament of Ann Lee has 6.4/10 on IMDb, 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.
Does The Testament of Ann Lee have a post-credit scene?
Yes. The Testament of Ann Lee has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
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