One of the best movies of 2026 so far is now available to stream at home

Holding an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score, the film is based on a fascinating, under-discussed true story.

Accessible through Disney+, the historical drama recounts the life of Ann Lee (played by Oscar-nominee Amanda Seyfried, The Housemaid), founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers. This is an offshoot of Quakerism, whose members are known for praying through song and dance.

Beginning with Lee's impoverished childhood in 18th-century Manchester, the film depicts her troubled marriage to Abraham Standerin (Christopher Abbott, Bring Them Down), her rise to becoming the Shakers' leader, and the severe persecution she faced for her faith.

This persecution occurred both in England and America, where she and her followers (including Lewis Pullman and Thomasin McKenzie) later emigrated to spread their beliefs.

The Testament of Ann Lee was written by Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold (last year's fantastic, Oscar-winning The Brutalist), with Fastvold also directing the movie.

Their newest collaboration boasts a phenomenal lead turn from Seyfried, with the actress conveying charisma, power, kindness and heartbreaking vulnerability, sometimes all in one scene.

As well as spotlighting fascinating, under-discussed real-life history, the film's scenes showcasing Lee and the Shakers singing and dancing during worship are just stunning to behold.

Through bravura and cinematic camerawork, Fastvold captures dozens of bodies breathing, chanting and dancing in unison, actions that build and build into something that feels divine and transcendental.

These moments also provide a great respite from darker, grittier and more harrowing scenes, highlighting the community's quite challenging daily lives.

How to watch The Testament of Ann Lee

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The Testament of Ann Lee is streaming now on Disney+.

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