Venice premiere earns 15-minute ovation

The Testament of Ann Lee, Amanda Seyfried's new film about the Shaker founder, earned a 15-minute ovation at Venice.

Amanda Seyfried Delivers Venice Premiere for The Testament of Ann Lee

Amanda Seyfried leads The Testament of Ann Lee in a premiere directed by Mona Fastvold. The screening drew a 15-minute ovation, the festival's longest so far, with Brady Corbet among the cheers and Seyfried visibly emotional as the crowd stayed engaged. The production presents a grand, speculative take on a little known historical figure, pairing a large cast with a score by Daniel Blumberg.

The film frames the Shaker founder as a powerful, creative force within a mythic setting. It features Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson and others, and aims for epic scale rather than a traditional musical. While it leans into spectacle, the team emphasizes a focus on verse and atmosphere over conventional song breaks to carry the narrative.

Venice this year has become a stage for ambitious, history steeped cinema. The Testament of Ann Lee arrives with a bold blend of devotion and spectacle, inviting audiences to rethink a religious movement through a cinematic lens. The long ovation at the premiere will influence early perception, but the film will need sustaining critical support to translate festival buzz into lasting momentum. The collaboration between Fastvold and Corbet, along with Seyfried’s commitment, signals a distinct voice that could define a new kind of historical drama.

Highlights

Time will tell how this ambitious take travels beyond Venice.