Amanda Seyfried delivers what critics are calling an Oscar-worthy performance in The Testament of Ann Lee, the historical musical drama that’s capturing hearts this awards season. Opening Christmas Day in select theaters, this film about the revolutionary Shaker movement features an ensemble cast bringing 18th-century spiritual history to vivid life. Here’s your complete guide to the talented actors and the complex characters they portray.
The Testament of Ann Lee: Cast & Character Overview
| Actor | Character | Role in Story |
|---|---|---|
| Amanda Seyfried | Ann Lee | Shaker movement founder, proclaimed as female Christ |
| Lewis Pullman | William Lee | Ann’s brother and early supporter |
| Thomasin McKenzie | Mary Partington | Follower and narrator of Ann’s story |
| Christopher Abbott | Abraham Standerin | Ann’s husband |
| Stacy Martin | Jane Wardley | Early spiritual influence on Ann |
| Tim Blake Nelson | Pastor Reuben Wright | Religious authority figure |
| Matthew Beard | James Whittaker | Key Shaker community member |
| Scott Handy | James Wardley | Jane’s husband, spiritual mentor |
| Viola Prettejohn | Nancy Lee | Ann’s daughter |
| David Cale | John Hocknell | Shaker follower |
Amanda Seyfried as Ann Lee: The Heart of the Film
Seyfried earned Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award nominations for her transformative portrayal of the Shaker founder who preached radical equality and utopian ideals. Known for her versatility in films like Mank, Les Misérables, and her Emmy-winning turn as Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout, Seyfried describes her performance as requiring “animal sounds as opposed to melodic sounds” during the film’s intense musical sequences.
Critics have ranked her performance among the best of 2025, praising how she guides the camera with expressive eyes through Ann Lee’s journey from working-class England to becoming a revered spiritual leader in America. According to Searchlight Pictures, Seyfried’s commitment to authenticity extended to depicting Ann’s traumatic childbirth experiences—all four of her children died in infancy—with unflinching honesty.
Lewis Pullman Brings Emotional Depth as William Lee
Pullman plays Ann’s devoted brother William, providing the emotional core of the family dynamic. Fresh off acclaimed roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Bad Times at the El Royale, and the upcoming Thunderbolts*, Pullman has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most compelling supporting actors. His work in limited series like Catch-22 and Lessons in Chemistry showcases the sensitivity he brings to William’s unwavering support for his sister’s controversial mission.
Thomasin McKenzie as Mary Partington: Our Guide Through History
McKenzie serves double duty as both follower Mary Partington and the film’s narrator, helping audiences navigate the complex spiritual world Ann Lee created. The New Zealand actress previously captivated audiences in Jojo Rabbit, Last Night in Soho, and Leave No Trace, consistently delivering nuanced performances that balance innocence with resilience—perfect for a character witnessing radical religious transformation.
Christopher Abbott’s Complex Turn as Abraham Standerin
Abbott portrays Ann’s husband Abraham, a challenging role requiring psychological depth. The actor has built a reputation for complex, morally ambiguous characters in films like Martha Marcy May Marlene, It Comes at Night, and Poor Things. His television work in Girls, The Sinner, and Catch-22 demonstrates his range, making him ideal for exploring the tensions between traditional marriage expectations and Ann’s divine calling.
Supporting Cast Elevates the Ensemble
Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Watchmen) plays Pastor Reuben Wright, representing established religious authority threatened by Ann’s movement. Stacy Martin and Scott Handy portray the Wardleys, the couple whose spiritual guidance first awakened Ann’s prophetic abilities. Matthew Beard (The Imitation Game, And Just Like That…) plays James Whittaker, while Viola Prettejohn appears as Nancy Lee, Ann’s daughter whose tragic early death fuels her mother’s spiritual fervor.
The Creative Team Behind the Vision
Director Mona Fastvold (The World to Come, The Brutalist) co-wrote the screenplay with Brady Corbet, crafting what she describes as a “speculative retelling” that honors Ann Lee’s radical pursuit of justice and transcendence. Composer Daniel Blumberg drew from original Shaker hymns, calling it “one of the most experimental, extreme projects” he’s tackled. Choreographer Celia Rowlson-Hall (Vox Lux) reimagined traditional hymns as rapturous physical expressions of devotion.
Critical Reception and Awards Buzz
The film holds an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 62 reviews, with critics praising its acceptance of Ann Lee “on her own terms” while reaching “rhapsodic highs.” The consensus highlights Seyfried’s sterling performance as the film’s illuminating force. After premiering at the Venice International Film Festival where it competed for the Golden Lion, the film has screened at numerous prestigious festivals including AFI Fest, Zurich, and Austin Film Festivals.
For more insights on this awards season’s contenders, explore our 2025 Oscar predictions guide and historical drama rankings.
Why This Cast Makes the Difference
The Testament of Ann Lee succeeds because its ensemble doesn’t just portray historical figures—they embody the spiritual fervor, gender equality advocacy, and communal devotion that defined the Shaker movement. Each actor brings established dramatic credentials while disappearing into roles that demand physical commitment through ecstatic dance and song.
The film opens in limited release on December 25, 2025, with UK audiences getting their first look on February 20, 2026. With a runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes, this R-rated historical musical drama promises an immersive journey into one of history’s most fascinating religious movements, elevated by a cast at the peak of their powers.
