The Testament of Ann Lee (2025) is an American historical drama and musical exploring the life of the 18th-century religious leader Ann Lee, founder of the Shaker movement. Directed and co-written by Mona Fastvold, with Brady Corbet as co-writer, the film stars Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie, Christopher Abbott, Stacy Martin, and Tim Blake Nelson.
The movie follows Ann Lee’s journey from an impoverished childhood in Manchester, England, through persecution for her religious beliefs, to her decision to seek freedom in the American colonies. Ann proclaims herself as the female embodiment of Christ and establishes a utopian Shaker community, where followers worship through ecstatic song and dance. The film blends historical events with imaginative, musical storytelling, offering a visually ambitious and emotionally intense portrait of Lee’s life.
Premiering at festivals in September 2025, including Venice and Toronto, the film has a wide US release scheduled for December 25, 2025.
The Testament of Ann Lee Age Rating
The film The Testament of Ann Lee has been rated R by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), indicating it contains material that is restricted for viewers under 17 unless accompanied by an adult. This is due to the presence of sexual content, graphic nudity, violence, and bloody images, all of which signify the film deals with mature, adult themes and explicit visuals.
Violence & Peril
The film depicts historical persecution, arrests, and physical conflict endured by Ann Lee and her followers. Violence is explicit at times, including bloody confrontations, physical punishment, and tense moments of public shaming. These scenes are intense and may be distressing for younger viewers, though they are grounded in historical events rather than sensationalized gore. The atmosphere throughout the film is tense, reflecting the dangers faced by the Shaker community.
Sexual Content & Nudity
Sexual content is significant and includes implied and explicit sexual activity between characters. The film contains graphic nudity, both male and female, presented in the context of relationships and historical living conditions. Musical sequences occasionally include physical expressions of ecstasy, reflecting the Shaker worship practices, which may also be sexually suggestive in tone.
Language
The dialogue features occasional strong language in moments of conflict or emotional intensity. While profanity is present, it is not the primary focus of the film. No pervasive racial slurs are included.
Mature Themes
Themes include religious persecution, female empowerment, radical faith, and communal living. The narrative explores death, suffering, moral conviction, and spiritual devotion. Parental guidance is advised due to the combined weight of sexual, violent, and emotionally intense content, as well as mature exploration of faith and societal oppression.
Is The Testament of Ann Lee Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–15: Not suitable. The R-rated sexual content, graphic nudity, violent imagery, and mature thematic material make this film inappropriate for younger teens.
Ages 16–17: With guidance. Mature teens may watch with a parent or guardian, but discussion is recommended to explain the historical context, religious themes, and the mature sexual and violent content.
Ages 18+: Suitable for adults. Older teens and adults can fully comprehend and contextualize the historical, sexual, and violent content, as well as the film’s musical and narrative ambitions.
Overall Recommendation: This R-rated film is appropriate only for viewers 16+ with parental guidance for younger teens.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen for Content: Watch the film first to assess sexual, violent, and nudity scenes.
- Explain Historical Context: Discuss the Shaker movement, Ann Lee’s life, and societal persecution to help teens understand the story.
- Post-Viewing Conversations: Encourage discussions about morality, leadership, communal life, and religious expression in historical and modern contexts.
FAQs
Q: What is the official rating of The Testament of Ann Lee?
A: The film is rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence, and bloody images.
Q: Is it suitable for teens?
A: Teens 16+ may view with guidance; younger teens should not watch due to mature content.
Q: Are there violent or bloody scenes?
A: Yes. The film includes historically based violence and bloody confrontations, some depicted explicitly.
Q: Does it contain sexual content and nudity?
A: Yes. The film includes explicit sexual content and graphic nudity in a historical and musical context.
Q: What mature themes are present?
A: Religious persecution, radical faith, death, suffering, moral dilemmas, and communal living are explored in depth.
Q: Where can I watch The Testament of Ann Lee?
A: The film is scheduled for wide US release on December 25, 2025.