"Here's something I learned recently: Budapest is a really good place to film a movie, especially if you're focused on recreating an 18th-century landscape. On the complete flip side, it's not an ideal destination for sourcing Shaker furniture. These two facts came smashing together for The Testament of Ann Lee, a movie released on December 25, 2025, that highlights the life and legacy of Mother Ann Lee, played by Amanda Seyfried,"
"And did I mention this is a musical? Though I would only lightly lump it into the category, as the song and dance feel beautifully balanced with the spoken storytelling and tightly woven into the increasing intensity of Shaker devotion. While the movie was filmed in a small handful of places, its acts spill out into a grand epic. Beginning in Manchester, England, and ending in New York,"
The Testament of Ann Lee is a musical film depicting Mother Ann Lee and Shaker history, starring Amanda Seyfried. Filming used Budapest and other locations to recreate 18th-century landscapes while sourcing authentic Shaker furniture remained challenging. The narrative spans Manchester to New York, includes sea voyages, and blends humor with spiritual intensity, including a scene where a Shaker's finger guides him to land. Production design required deep research into Shaker aesthetics, material culture, and religiosity to authentically render interiors, costumes, and community spaces. The musical numbers integrate with spoken storytelling to heighten the portrayal of increasing Shaker devotion.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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