Overview
- Searchlight Pictures begins a U.S. theatrical run on December 25 for Mona Fastvold’s biographical musical about Shaker founder Ann Lee.
- The film stages ecstatic worship as song-and-dance drawn from Shaker hymns, with choreography by Celia Rowlson-Hall and a score by Daniel Blumberg.
- Early reviews praise Seyfried’s commanding performance and the film’s immersive movement and imagery, while some raise concerns about pacing and focus.
- The production was independently financed and emphasizes tactile craft, using film capture, traditional matte painting, and meticulously recreated Shaker design elements.
- The performance has awards traction, with Seyfried nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a musical or comedy.