Amanda Seyfried’s new film The Testament of Ann Lee has received a fresh trailer ahead of its wide release. Having already premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and receiving a very limited Christmas Day theatrical release in the US, there’s a lot of buzz surrounding this one.
The films follows the founding of the Shakers, a religious sect that sprung up in the 18th century. Led by the titular Ann Lee, they travelled from England to America spreading the word that she was the female embodiment of Jesus Christ.
The trailer showcases their perilous journey, the highly-energetic worship services, and Seyfried getting to showcase her singing again after Mamma Mia! and Les Miserables.
You might also have noticed Thunderbolts/The New Avengers star Lewis Pullman in the trailer, as well as fellow MCU star and O Brother, Where Art Thou? actor Tim Blake Nelson.
American fans won’t have long to wait until the film release, as it gets a full-blown cinema release on 23 January, while UK fans have to hold on a little longer, until 20 February.
Searchlight Pictures
Searchlight Pictures
Related: UK film release dates
Critics have been enamoured with the film, with an 89% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes from 114 reviews at the time of writing.
Associated Press notes that the film is “absolutely not for everyone” due to being a historical musical about religion, but states that director Mona Fastvold has “undeniably created something we’ve never quite seen before…
“Her singular artistic vision fills every frame. And Seyfried is a marvel, in yet another role that stretches this fiercely talented actor in ways we might not have predicted.”
Searchlight Pictures
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Vogue says the film “has to be seen to be believed”, with “staggering” and “surreal” imagery paired with music that is both “magical” and “haunted”.
Screen Rant writes that Seyfried is “at her most vulnerable and enchanting” in the film, while Little White Lies warns that the film is “a mesmerising but often perplexing yarn”.
The Testament of Ann Lee releases in US cinemas on 23 January, and UK cinemas on 20 February.
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Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he’s covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I’m a Fish.