Overview

• On the Toronto premiere circuit, Seyfried said she went without Botox for a year and filmed without makeup to embody Shaker founder Ann Lee.
• She explained that depicting the character’s grief meant going “all the way,” with her and director Mona Fastvold embracing prosthetics for graphic moments.
• Fastvold describes the film as a speculative retelling, presented as a musical that draws on 18th‑century Shaker hymns and ecstatic movement.
• The Testament of Ann Lee earned a 15‑minute standing ovation at its Sept. 1 world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival.
• An official release date has not been announced as the film builds momentum on the fall festival circuit.