Ann Lee was the founding leader of the Shaker Movement in the US. Amanda Seyfried plays her in this unusual, but interesting historical drama. The story starts with her as a girl in England, but as an adult, she has a vision which takes them to America. The Shakers were known for their unique form of droning songs and jerky dance moves (as well as their wooden furniture). As their worship style is distinctive, this film takes a similar approach. First, it’s a musical! Even though all of the songs are sung during their ceremonies, they still perform them all the way through. Seyfried does a commendable job in the lead and the rest of the cast is fine. Writer/director Mona Fastvold is best known for working with her co-writer Brady Corbet and their most famous collab is “The Brutalist” (my review). Her unique approach requires forgoing expectations of a typical narrative to experience this sect in a curious light. 
(2.5 / 5)
