Saagar Kote
‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ is the story of Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried), the founder of the “Shakers” religion. She is a woman from a modest socioeconomic background who guides others toward spiritual practices in 18th-century England and America. While her devoted followers view her as a figure similar to Jesus Christ, she also faces harsh persecution from those who oppose her lifestyle and everything she represents. Ann promotes an egalitarian society in which men and women can live freely and happily through song and dance. While she works to help more people find their faith, she also faces growing personal issues that threaten to overshadow her legacy.
Based on true events, the musical drama, directed by Mona Fastvold, sheds light on the most crucial moments in Ann’s life as she undergoes a turbulent journey. This list will be of interest to you if you are looking for movies similar to ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ which also focus on deeply human issues.
8. The Other Lamb (2019)
‘The Other Lamb’ delves into the experiences of Selah (Raffey Cassidy), a girl raised in an all-female polygamist cult, who begins to question the teachings of Shepherd (Michiel Huisman), the cult’s male leader. Selah has never known a life outside their forest-based community, devoid of modern technology. Most female cult members are Shepherd’s wives or daughters. Though raised as his daughter, Selah will soon become a wife. When authorities force the group to move to a new place, Selah experiences harrowing visions and the process of puberty. As she reaches this new stage of life, she begins to raise questions that may alter the very foundation of the cult. Helmed by Małgorzata Szumowska, the horror film, like ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ is a deep dive into the politics of cults, the power of charismatic leadership, and the fragility of human belief.
7. The Nun’s Story (1959)
Based on Kathryn Hulme’s eponymous novel, ‘The Nun’s Story’ follows young Gabrielle Van der Mal (Audrey Hepburn), who enters a Belgian convent in 1930 with the dream of becoming a missionary nurse in the Belgian Congo. Upon entering the religious order, she adopts the name Sister Luke. Despite excelling in her medical studies, she struggles to uphold the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Her commitment is tested repeatedly, and the beginning of World War II further complicates her service, as she is mandated to remain neutral. Her eventual journey to the Belgian Congo is a constant trial of faith, especially while assisting the skilled Dr. Fortunati. Directed by Fred Zinnemann, the drama resembles ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ as it explores the theme of female liberty and agency, while also focusing on a woman’s personal struggles within the realm of religion.
6. Thérèse (1986)
Directed by Alain Cavalier, ‘Thérèse’ chronicles the life of Thérèse Martin (Catherine Mouchet), who is determined to join the Carmelite order of nuns, like her sisters. Despite initial resistance from the church due to her young age, her persistence ensures that she enters the convent as a teenager. Here, she performs extraordinary works and illustrates her profound devotion to divinity. The French biographical drama, set in the 19th century, delves deeper into Thérèse’s life as she battles serious illness, which threatens to be fatal. Based on Alain Cavalier’s spiritual autobiography, ‘The Story of a Soul,’ the movie is a layered exploration of the power of faith and a woman’s unwavering commitment to serving God, much like ‘The Testament of Ann Lee.’
5. The Wonder (2022)
Based on Emma Donoghue’s eponymous novel, Netflix’s ‘The Wonder’ revolves around the trials and tribulations of Elizabeth “Lib” Wright (Florence Pugh), a nurse from England. In the 1860s, Lib travels to rural Ireland, where she is hired to observe the daily life of Anna O’Donnell (Kíla Lord Cassidy), an eleven-year-old girl who has not eaten anything for many months. This is seen as a miracle, and people believe that God is enabling Anna to survive without food. However, when Lib realizes that something dreadful might happen to the little girl, she must use her scientific beliefs to counter the religious beliefs in the girl’s family and the community. Directed by Sebastián Lelio, the psychological drama complements ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ with its grounded portrayal of the crisis of faith, human morality, and the clash between modern values and religion.
4. Novitiate (2017)
Helmed by Maggie Betts, ‘Novitiate’ is the tale of teenager Cathleen Harris (Margaret Qualley), who enters the Convent of the Beloved Rose in the American South in 1964, committed to becoming a nun despite her mother’s disapproval. The convent is strictly governed by Reverend Mother Marie Saint-Clair (Melissa Leo), who views herself as God’s voice and demands obedience. She completely rejects the Vatican’s modernizing reforms and refuses to entertain sisters with more progressive views. Cathleen’s difficult path to becoming a nun is significantly challenged by the Reverend Mother’s rigid methods. The conflict of ideas between the old woman and the young girl leads to chaos in faith. The drama shares similarities with ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ by exploring fundamental questions about the nature of faith while also focusing on female perspectives in a world of rules and moral codes.
3. Women Talking (2022)
‘Women Talking’ deals with the happenings in a secluded Mennonite community in 2010, where a group of women has endured abuse from the men secretly for years. During the men’s temporary absence, Salome Friesen (Claire Foy) and other women convene to determine their immediate course of action. Knowing that the men drugged and raped them, the women wonder if they should seek justice or leave the community forever. Hindered by religious dogma and limited time, the women must quickly overcome their fear if they wish to have a better future. Directed by Sarah Polley, the drama is based on the novel of the same name by Miriam Toews. Akin to ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ the narrative is set around the enigma of a religious sect and features commentary on gender and female agency.
2. Vision (2009)
Directed by Margarethe von Trotta, ‘Vision’ or ‘Vision – Aus dem Leben der Hildegard von Bingen’ is a German drama that chronicles the life of Hildegard of Bingen (Barbara Sukowa), a highly gifted 12th-century Benedictine nun. She has diverse talents and is a capable woman who tries to expand the roles permitted to women within her order and the generally patriarchal society of the time. The convent that Hildegard belongs to fosters complex relationships, which she must handle while also overcoming societal constraints. Based on real-life events, the film captures the spirit of ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ through its visual tone, the perspectives on faith, and the intertwining of gender issues and religion in Western society.
1. Benedetta (2021)
‘Benedetta’ navigates the ups and downs in the life of a deeply devout nun named Benedetta Carlini (Virginie Efira) in 17th-century Pescia, Italy. She has visions in which Jesus speaks to her and helps her overcome her worldly troubles. When she gains respect from the priests of the Theatine Convent of the Mother of God, her life is on the verge of greater achievement. However, the situation changes when a poor woman named Bartolomea (Daphné Patakia) seeks shelter in the convent. Benedetta and Bartolomea are sexually attracted to each other and discreetly get intimate within the walls of the traditional convent. As Benedetta struggles to balance her faith with her desires, the religious people around her suspect that something is wrong. With chaos following, Benedetta and Bartolomea’s futures hang in the balance.
Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the French biographical psychological drama is inspired by real events and is loosely based on Judith C. Brown’s book ‘Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy.’ Benedetta, like Ann in ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ challenges established religious patterns and also finds her own interpretation of faith through deeply personal and puzzling experiences.
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