Amanda Seyfried on obsession, devotion and the joy of socks

Amanda Seyfried and director Mona Fastvold discuss their new film The Testament of Ann Lee, an operatic musical about the Shaking Quakers, and describe the intense preparation and close bonds formed while making it.

The Testament of Ann Lee is a new musical written and directed by Mona Fastvold and starring Amanda Seyfried as Ann Lee. The film depicts the 18th-century Shaking Quakers and their migration to the United States, blending operatic theatricality with moments of absurdity. Seyfried and Fastvold spoke about fear, devotion and their working relationship while promoting the movie. The article also describes the practical demands of the production and the domestic closeness that developed on set. Key details: - Amanda Seyfried plays Ann Lee, described as the illiterate daughter of a Mancunian blacksmith who became a leader of the Shaking Quakers. - Mona Fastvold co-wrote the screenplay with her partner Brady Corbet, and Daniel Blumberg adapted Shaker hymns for the film's score. - The story covers the Shakers' move to the US in 1774 and highlights beliefs such as pacifism, equality of race and gender, and celibacy. - Production involved live singing, demanding choreography and a Manchester accent; much of the film was shot in Hungary. - Seyfried discussed her preparation, the fear and reward of the role, her view that she does not need an Oscar, and anecdotes of close on-set care, including Fastvold finding her balled-up socks in a closet. Summary: The Testament of Ann Lee presents an intense, theatrical take on a lesser-known religious figure and has prompted strong, varied reactions; its makers emphasise both serious devotion and moments of humour. Undetermined at this time.