Amanda Seyfried Stars as Ann Taylor in a Bold New Musical Drama
A new musical film, 'The Testament of Ann Taylor', tells the story of a woman who claimed to be the female reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Directed by Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet, the project stars Amanda Seyfried as Ann Taylor, a historical figure who led her followers across the Atlantic to found the Shaker community in America.
The filmmakers, known for 'The Brutalist', explore themes of ambition and faith through Taylor’s extraordinary life.
The movie begins with Ann Taylor’s early years in 18th-century Manchester. Raised in poverty, she marries a locksmith and endures the loss of all four of her children in infancy. These tragedies shape her belief in celibacy, which later becomes a core tenet of the Shaker movement.
Taylor’s visions of God convince followers that she is a divine figure. Under her leadership, the group embarks on a dangerous voyage to America, seeking refuge from persecution. Once settled upstate, they establish a self-sufficient community, turning to furniture-making as a means of survival.
'The Testament of Ann Taylor' unfolds in chapters, blending traditional hymns with a dramatic narrative. Seyfried delivers a physically and emotionally demanding performance, spending a year perfecting her Manchester accent for the role. The film captures both the devotion of Taylor’s followers and the harsh realities of their isolation.
At their height, the Shakers numbered in the thousands. Today, only three remain, a direct consequence of their strict celibacy rule.
The film sheds light on a little-known chapter of religious history, tracing the rise and decline of the Shakers. Seyfried’s portrayal of Ann Taylor brings attention to a woman whose faith reshaped a community. With its mix of music, historical detail, and raw performance, 'The Testament of Ann Taylor' offers a striking look at devotion and sacrifice.
