The Testament of Ann Lee is a biographical drama film directed by Mona Fastvold and written by Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet. The film stars Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie, Stacy Martin, Christopher Abbott, and Tim Blake Nelson. Released in 2025, it tells the story of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker movement, exploring her personal tragedies and rise as a spiritual leader. The movie is set against the backdrop of 18th-century religious America and incorporates elements of history, drama, and musical storytelling.
This historical drama is notable for its intense and mature content, including graphic depictions of sexuality, nudity, and violence. It premiered at various international film festivals in 2025 and is set for a limited theatrical release by Searchlight Pictures. Platforms for streaming will be updated closer to the release date.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Testament of Ann Lee |
| Genre | Biography, Drama, History, Musical |
| Director/Writer | Mona Fastvold / Mona Fastvold, Brady Corbet |
| Starring | Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie, Stacy Martin, Christopher Abbott, Tim Blake Nelson |
| Runtime | 130 minutes |
| Age Rating | R (Sexual content, graphic nudity, violence, bloody images) |
| Release Date | December 25, 2025 (Limited) |
| Distributor | Searchlight Pictures |
The Testament of Ann Lee Age Rating
The Testament of Ann Lee has been officially rated R by the MPA. This rating is due to sexual content, graphic nudity, violence, and bloody images. Scenes in the movie depict sexual acts, nudity, and religious rituals, along with violent events and historical depictions of bloodshed. These elements make the movie unsuitable for viewers under 17 unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
An R rating means that children under 17 require supervision, as the content includes material that may be disturbing, intense, or inappropriate for younger audiences. Parents should be aware that the film’s mature themes are integral to the storytelling and reflect historical events in Ann Lee’s life.
Is The Testament of Ann Lee Suitable for Kids?
This film is not suitable for children due to its adult themes, graphic sexual content, nudity, and intense violence. Older teens (16-17) may watch with caution if guided by a parent, but younger viewers are strongly discouraged. The film’s religious and historical content, along with realistic portrayals of human suffering, make it appropriate only for mature audiences.
Age-by-Suitability Table:
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3-7 | Not suitable for young children |
| Ages 8-12 | Not recommended for this age group |
| Teens (13-15) | Not recommended / Viewer discretion advised |
| Teens (16-17) | Yes, with caution / Older teens may enjoy it |
| Adults | Yes, suitable for mature audiences |
The Testament of Ann Lee Parents Guide
The Testament of Ann Lee explores Ann Lee’s life in graphic detail. The movie contains strong sexual content, nudity, and violence, including bloody images and depictions of physical abuse. Strong language appears occasionally, and the story includes intense religious and emotional scenes that may be frightening for younger viewers.
- Sex & Nudity: The film features explicit sexual content, nudity, and religious sexual rituals, along with childbirth scenes.
- Violence & Gore: There are bloody images, physical abuse, and violent religious conflicts.
- Profanity: Occasional strong language is present.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: Minimal or no notable substance depiction.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: Emotional trauma, religious persecution, and graphic depictions of death are shown.
Tips for Parents
Parents are encouraged to preview the movie before watching with older teens. Discuss the historical context and religious themes of the Shaker movement. Explain that graphic scenes are intended to reflect historical reality rather than sensationalize violence or sexuality.
The Testament of Ann Lee Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer for The Testament of Ann Lee
FAQs
Q1: What is the age rating for The Testament of Ann Lee?
A: The movie is rated R by the MPA for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence, and bloody images. Children under 17 should watch only with an adult.
Q2: Is The Testament of Ann Lee suitable for teens?
A: Older teens (16-17) may watch with caution. The film contains mature themes and intense content, making it unsuitable for younger teens.
Q3: Does The Testament of Ann Lee contain violence or sexual content?
A: Yes, the movie has graphic sexual scenes, nudity, bloody images, and violent events, reflecting the life of Ann Lee and her historical context.
Q4: Where can I watch The Testament of Ann Lee?
A: The film is distributed by Searchlight Pictures with a limited theatrical release on December 25, 2025. Streaming platforms will be announced closer to the release.