Entertainment
Amanda Seyfried Gives Magical Performance as Leader of the Shakers in ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’
In the 18th century, Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried) is proclaimed the leader of the Shakers, whose followers believe sin can be cleansed through chanting and shaking (hence their name) — their worship services form the film’s musical numbers.
The cult-y group settles in upstate New York, where they establish a utopian community that practices gender equality, pacifism — and more controversially, celibacy. The fascinating story comes to life thanks to Seyfried’s spellbinding performance as a woman who believes she is truly heaven-sent.
The Testament of Ann Lee | In theaters Friday, Dec. 25 R
