Pick of the week
The Testament of Ann Lee
Mona Fastvold’s astonishing drama about the founder of the Shakers Christian sect in the 18th century defies simple classification – which may be why it was unjustly shunned during awards season. At heart it’s a historical biopic: Manchester cotton worker Ann Lee (a performance of great intensity from Amanda Seyfried) joins the Quakers, then forms her own group founded on celibacy, and ends up migrating to America to seek religious freedom. It’s also a highly choreographed folk musical, centred on the Shakers’ ecstatic singing and dancing. And it’s a fascinating tale of female empowerment in an age when the obstacles to self-determination were vast.
Out now, Disney+
