“The Testament of Ann Lee,” a sometimes punishing look at the turbulent life of 18th century Shaker leader Ann Lee, is definitely not for everyone. But, Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writers in her review, the film features a blazing Amanda Seyfried whose performance demands to be seen. Directed by Mona Fastvold and co-written by partner Brady Corbet, the team behind “The Brutalist,” the film is hardly a dry history lesson. In fact, it's a musical, with original numbers choreographed by Celia Rowlson-Hall to music by Daniel Blumberg, based on traditional Shaker hymns. It opens in theaters Christmas Day in limited release.
