Last month I went with a friend to see The Testament of Ann Lee, a new film starring Amanda Seyfried that tells the life story of Mother Ann Lee, one of the founding leaders of the Shaker movement. It was so deeply layered, a rich text delving into an array of themes and questions about Ann Lee and the Shaker movement, as well as religious practice more broadly. On a deeper level, it tries to recreate the experience of the Shaker faith for viewers. Given its focus on Ann Lee, the film also provided a window into the experience of women in religion. It also painted a picture of what it looked like for Ann Lee and other Shaker women to speak with religious authority and the price they often paid for it.

Source: New York Times February 07, 2026 14:18 UTC