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.

FAQs

Q: Do the actors actually perform the musical numbers themselves?

Yes, the cast performs all musical sequences live. Amanda Seyfried has specifically discussed how she approached the singing not as traditional melody but as raw, emotional expression—”animal sounds” that reflect Ann Lee’s spiritual ecstasy. The film features over a dozen traditional Shaker hymns reimagined alongside original compositions by Daniel Blumberg.

Q: Is this Amanda Seyfried’s first historical role?

No, Seyfried has tackled historical figures before, most notably as Marion Davies in Mank and Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout (which won her an Emmy). However, The Testament of Ann Lee marks her first role portraying a religious leader from the 18th century, requiring extensive research into Shaker theology, practices, and Ann Lee’s documented visions and prophecies.