Review: 'Ann Lee' is a bold look at a religious crusader

"Any film that dares to cover the life of a spiritual leader will likely run right into a high level of skepticism, scrutiny, derision and, yes, even some old-fashioned acceptance. Religion does hold that unwavering power, able to inspire and heal while making others wary and uncomfortable. Director and co-screenwriter Mona Fastvold's brilliant, music-infused biopic faces a tough haul in appealing to movie masses - regardless of their faith - because religion has never been a one-size-fits-all practice."

"Fastvold's sweeping vision keeps you in its thrall from the opening title sequence that sends you back to the mid 18th century and into the realm of the Shakers. The film is intricately detailed and passionately alive, delivering a non-judgmental overview of a lesser-known religious figure, 18th-century Shaker founder Ann Lee, played with a transcendent and ethereal quality by Amanda Seyfried, who all but levitates her performance off the screen."

"Fastvold reunites with writing partner Brady Corbet (also her husband and director of last year's Oscar-winning "The Brutalist") and they avoid taking the familiar biopic path in exploring how a poor Manchester woman endured tragedy - the death of four of her infant children - and swore off sex with her husband (Christopher Abbot) and embarked on a spiritual journey"

Mona Fastvold's biopic opens in mid-18th century and immerses viewers in Shaker life and practices. Amanda Seyfried portrays Ann Lee with a transcendent, ethereal quality that elevates the role. The film presents a detailed, nonjudgmental overview of Ann Lee’s founding of a Utopian Shaker community, emphasizing equality, kindness, and celibacy. Fastvold and co-writer Brady Corbet avoid conventional biopic tropes, tracing Lee’s personal tragedies, her turn from the Quakers, and her spiritual awakening. The production uses music and intricate visuals to create an engrossing atmosphere. The release was limited before a wider January rollout.

Read at The Mercury News