Deight Night

The Testament Of Ann Lee (2026, Mona Fastvold, Searchlight Pictures) Off the back of the awards success story of her last writing collaboration with her partner, Brady Corbet, with The Brutalist last year, Mona Fastvold takes over directing duties in The Testament Of Ann Lee . This time, while the story still takes place in the past, the film is mercifully shorter without the need of an interval, though it still tackles the theme of one individual's American dream. This historical musical charters the life of Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried), the founder and leader of a sect of the Christian faith called the Shakers, members of whom celebrate their beliefs through communal singing. The film follows the female preacher's journey from Manchester, England and onto her settlement in the American colonies as she gathers more and more followers as well as witnessing the birth of a new nation.  The Testament Of Ann Lee sells itself on being a musical, among other things. However, this pate...