Amanda Seyfried stars in ‘The Testomony of Ann Lee’ : NPR

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Searchlight Photos/Searchlight Photos/Searchlight Photos When the Golden Globe nominations had been introduced in early December, Amanda Seyfried's identify appeared in two completely different classes: greatest actress in a restricted sequence for Lengthy Brilliant River and greatest actress in a musical or comedy for The Testomony of Ann Lee, launched on Christmas.

She additionally starred in a second film launched in December — the psychological thriller The Housemaid with Sydney Sweeney.

Clearly, Seyfried has had a busy 2025, selling two movies on the identical time.

"I got here dwelling lastly from a pink eye, and I slept for, I wish to say, like, 30 hours," she informed Morning Version host Leila Fadel. "I clearly wanted it. And now my again hurts. I am 40, in order that's okay."

Her starring function in The Testomony of Ann Lee may need contributed to the again ache. Lee was an early chief of the spiritual sect generally known as the Shakers, which she introduced from England to the colonies of America in the course of the Revolutionary Warfare. They acquired the identify from their ecstatic worship — a number of singing, energetic dancing and flailing motion.

Seyfried mentioned she skilled for a 12 months, on and off, to get the choreography proper and put together her physique for the physicality of the function.

"Anyone who's been to a membership is aware of what it feels prefer to be alive by motion," Seyfried mentioned. "I believe that is why the group actually thrived, as a result of they had been connecting to one another as a lot as by their increased energy."

Ann Lee's philosophy concerned pacifism, gender and racial equality, and celibacy — even for married {couples}. These beliefs had been a tricky promote in the course of the American Revolution. Seyfried says Lee was acquired as a witch.

"She did not make sense to folks, and she or he by no means tried to slot in," Seyfried mentioned.

Fighters on either side of independence anticipated the Shakers to hitch their trigger, however Ann Lee refused. Seyfried admired her stand.

"What occurs whenever you really feel that it is dangerous to take a aspect?" she requested. "What occurs whenever you simply wish to hold creating sanctuary for folks? Why do you must choose a aspect? She challenged that."

Amanda Seyfried thinks that The Testomony of Ann Lee — regardless that it is the story of a non secular motion from the 18th century — continues to be well timed and vital.

"Bizarre guidelines or not, it was based mostly in love and assist and belonging and lifting all people up," she mentioned. "It is simply so easy an thought, and it is how so many people wish to function on this planet."