Amanda Seyfried Faced Her ‘Biggest Fear’ for “The Testament of Ann Lee”: I Went ‘All the Way with It’ (Exclusive)

Amanda Seyfried Overcomes Her ‘Biggest Fear’ for ‘Testament of Ann Lee’

Amanda Seyfried recently faced her ‘biggest fear’ while portraying the role of Ann Lee in the film ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’. The actress, known for her versatile performances, opened up about the challenges she encountered during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

The movie delves into the life of the Shakers founder, Ann Lee, exploring her profound childhood traumas and the losses she endured, including the heartbreaking ordeal of losing all her children at a young age. Seyfried, who plays the lead role, revealed that she was initially more nervous about embodying a character with such immense power rather than focusing on the maternal aspects of the role, despite being a mother herself.

During an interview with PEOPLE at the festival, Seyfried shared her thoughts on connecting with Ann Lee’s grief over losing her children, highlighting the emotional depth she had to tap into for the role. She mentioned how challenging it was to channel that level of grief, especially when it resonates with her own fears as a mother.

The actress expressed the importance of honouring the grief experienced by Ann Lee and others who have suffered similar losses, emphasizing the need to authentically portray such emotional realities on screen. Seyfried and the film’s director/co-writer, Mona Fastvold, took a bold approach by not shying away from using prosthetics to depict the raw emotions and struggles faced by the character.

‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ made a significant impact at the Venice International Film Festival, receiving a 15-minute standing ovation after its world premiere on Sept. 1. Fastvold described the film as a speculative retelling of Ann Lee’s life, exploring her role as a female religious leader in the 18th century and the ecstatic worship practices of the Shakers.

Seyfried reflected on her unique experience of portraying Ann Lee and how it differed from her past roles in music-centric films. She described the process of singing and embodying the character’s primal nature as a profound and connected experience, delving into the complexities of Ann Lee’s teachings and the chaos that surrounded her.

As the Toronto International Film Festival continues, audiences eagerly anticipate the official release date of ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’. Seyfried’s dedication to embodying the complexity and depth of the character offers a glimpse into the emotional journey that unfolds in the film.

In conclusion, Amanda Seyfried’s transformative performance in ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ showcases her versatility as an actress and her commitment to portraying challenging and emotionally resonant roles. The film’s exploration of grief, loss, and spirituality through the lens of a historical figure offers a unique and compelling narrative that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression.