Greetings again from the darkness. One might believe that celibate communal living and worship would have been an easier sell in the 1780’s than today, yet this film from writer-director Mona Fastvold (THE WORLD TO COME, 2020) and co-writer Brady Corbet (THE BRUTALIST, 2024) proves otherwise. It turns out the second coming and extreme shaking while worshipping requires a bit more faith than many possess. The film is based on the true story of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers who, along with a small contingency, emigrated to the U.S. from England to spread their beliefs.
That small group of believers who followed Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried) included her brother William (Lewis Pullman), her husband Abraham (Christopher Abbott), and young Mary (Thomasin McKenzie), among others. Their life is not easy and recruiting a congregation proves challenging. Ann never loses faith and consistently stays true to her beliefs, allowing all to follow … well, except for her husband Abraham who doesn’t much buy into the pure life with no sexual relations requirement. Ann believes that this was Adam and Eve’s sin and is convinced a pure existence is the way to righteous living.
Probably the most unique thing about the film (other than the actual subjects of Ann and the Shakers) is the manner in which the hymns/songs are choreographed and performed. This makes for such an odd visual and there are quite a few of these moments. Tim Blake Nelson plays a pastor who crosses paths with Ann, providing an interesting sequence (as he typically does). The choreography is the work of Celia Rowlson-Hall and the music comes from Oscar winner Daniel Blumberg. Ms. Seyfried delivers yet another standout performance, although this movie certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste. It’s a long film that’s not easy to relate to. Ann Lee saw herself as the female incarnation of God, and the film attempts to show how some believed her.
Opens in theaters on January 23, 2026
Movie Reviews from the Dark 