Searchlight Pictures is set to release the musical drama THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE on VOD and digital platforms next month, arriving on March 10th, 2026. The film world premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival before launching in US theaters in limited release on December 25th, 2025.
The Testament of Ann Lee is directed by Mona Fastvold, who co-wrote the screenplay with Brady Corbet. It stars Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie, Stacy Martin, Christopher Abbott, and Tim Blake Nelson.
The film is an epic fable about religious leader Ann Lee, the founding leader of the Shaker Movement, who was proclaimed by her followers as the female Christ and went on to build one of the largest utopian societies in American history. Lee — one of the rare female religious leaders at the time —and her followers worshipped through exuberant song and dance.
Here’s the full release from the studio:
BURBANK, CA (February 26, 2026) – A gripping story of resilience and fervor, Searchlight Pictures’ The Testament of Ann Lee, from award-winning writer-director Mona Fastvold, is a richly cinematic retelling of a bold moment in history, arriving in modern times on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home March 10.
Based on a true legend, The Testament of Ann Lee depicts the story of the founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers. Amanda Seyfried stars as the Shaker’s revered, irrepressible leader who preaches gender and social equality. With reimagined Shaker hymns, the film captures Lee’s ecstasy and agony in her quest to build a utopia.
Fastvold happened upon Shaker hymns which led her to resurrect the story of Ann Lee, a figure so strong yet surprisingly unsung as a “wild feminist religious leader in late 1700s America,” she recalls. Believing that Lee had been completely overlooked by history, Fastvold was inspired to write, produce and direct this film with fiery passion, explaining that “For me, being an artist is always about striving to create the impossible – that’s what drew me to Ann Lee. This film is offered as a tribute to her dream – and the silence that now surrounds it.”
Written by Fastvold and Brady Corbet, The Testament of Ann Lee has earned praise on the film festival circuit and received numerous award nominations including from the Golden Globes for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and from the Critics Choice Association. Amanda Seyfried’s dramatic and musical performance has been lauded as “breathtaking” (In Session Film). The Testament of Ann Lee has also been venerated by a Rotten Tomatoes® 87% Certified Fresh rating, with critics praising its bold storytelling and evocative performances. The film, which also stars Thomasin Mckenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, with Tim Blake Nelson, and Christopher Abbott, arrives on Digital with bonus extras on March 10.
Bonus Feature*
The Testament of Ann Lee: A Special Look – Join filmmakers and cast members – including director/co-writer Mona Fastvold and actor Amanda Seyfried – for a behind-the-scenes look at making this original film about compassion, empathy, community and one woman’s charismatic leadership in founding the Shaker movement. Learn details about the research, set design, cinematography, choreography, music and costume design that create the film’s spellbinding and extraordinary look and feel.
*Bonus features vary by product and retailer.
We’ve added the release date to our Streaming Calendar. Pre-order the film from Amazon below, and check out the official home release trailer.
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