Before she became a symbol, she was simply a woman who refused to bend.

Testament of Ann Lee journeys into the heart of an 18th-century life shaped by spiritual longing and quiet defiance. Directed by Mona Fastvold, the film explores the origins of a leader whose radical ideas about equality and communal faith disrupted the world around her. What unfolds is not just a historical portrait, but a deeply human story - one of doubt, endurance and the unshakeable power of belief. Now landing in cinemas, it invites audiences to witness transformation on a scale both personal and profound.

Here’s the trailer:

Directed by Mona Fastvold and co-written with Brady Corbet, Testament of Ann Lee explores the remarkable journey of Ann Lee, an 18th-century visionary whose radical ideas about equality, communal living, and spiritual liberation challenged society. The film takes audiences from England to colonial America, charting her defiance, perseverance, and the movement she inspired. It’s more than a biopic — it’s a cinematic journey into conviction and courage.

At its core, the film wrestles with the tension between personal conviction and societal constraints. Ann Lee’s life is a lens through which we examine faith as both solace and defiance, belief as a calling and a burden, and revolution as a force born from quiet certainty. Themes of equality, gender roles, spiritual fervour, and internal conflict are woven throughout, grounding history with visceral human emotion.

The emotional power of Testament of Ann Lee rests on a remarkable ensemble cast whose performances convey depth and nuance:

Seyfried delivers a commanding, immersive lead performance, capturing Lee’s fiery resolve, spiritual depth, and vulnerability.

The young Ann is portrayed with innocence, curiosity, and the early sparks of determination that shape her future.

Pullman conveys familial complexity, portraying the influence and support of Ann’s brother in shaping her early journey. 

Their performances add a tender, formative dimension to William’s character, highlighting the family roots of Ann’s convictions.

McKenzie provides an intimate and reflective presence, offering insight into Lee’s personal and spiritual journey. 

Martin embodies a figure whose interactions with Ann illuminate societal expectations and pressures.

Abbott brings emotional weight and relational complexity, portraying the intimate dimension of Ann’s life. 

Nelson portrays spiritual opposition and ideological tension, adding stakes to Lee’s defiance. 

Each supporting role enhances the world around Ann, providing depth, historical context, and emotional resonance to the narrative.

The Testament of Ann Lee is crafted with a scale and emotional breadth that only cinema can deliver. The period-rich production design, sweeping cinematography, evocative score, and layered performances come alive in premium formats, allowing audiences to experience every moment of tension, devotion, and revelation fully.

Testament of Ann Lee opens in South African cinemas in March 2026.

For showtimes, tickets, and screening formats, visit Find Cinemas and check the Coming Soon page. Don’t miss the chance to experience this historical drama in the immersive big-screen setting it deserves.