What happens when you mix a cult leader, a musical, and 18th-century England? You get Ann Lee, the latest cinematic venture from the dynamic duo Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet. Fresh off the success of The Brutalist, the pair is back with a project that's as ambitious as it is unconventional. Starring Amanda Seyfried as the enigmatic Ann Lee, this film is already generating buzz ahead of its planned premiere at the Venice Film Festival. But what makes this project stand out in a sea of biopics and period dramas? Let's dive in.
The Story and Cast:
Ann Lee tells the story of the founding leader of the Shaker Movement, a religious sect that emerged in 18th-century England. Lee, proclaimed by her followers as the “female Christ,” is a figure ripe for cinematic exploration. Seyfried, known for her versatility in films like Mank and Les Misérables, takes on the lead role, backed by an ensemble cast that includes Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho), Lewis Pullman (Top Gun: Maverick), Christopher Abbott (Catch-22), and Tim Blake Nelson (Watchmen).
The film is described as an “epic fable,” blending historical drama with musical elements—a risky but intriguing combination. Seyfried herself has teased the project as “really crazy,” a description that only heightens anticipation.
Behind the Scenes:
While The Brutalist was a collaborative effort between Fastvold and Corbet, Ann Lee sees Fastvold taking the directorial reins solo. Corbet, however, remains heavily involved as co-writer and co-producer. The duo's creative partnership extends beyond their professional lives; they've been a couple for over a decade and have co-written all three of Corbet's directorial efforts (The Childhood of a Leader, Vox Lux, and The Brutalist).
The film's score is composed by Daniel Blumberg, who recently won an Oscar for his work on The Brutalist. While the cinematographer this time isn't Lol Crawley (a frequent collaborator), the film's visual style remains a point of curiosity.
Fastvold's Track Record:
Fastvold's previous directorial effort, The World to Come (2020), premiered at Venice to critical acclaim. Starring Vanessa Kirby and Katherine Waterston, the film was praised for its emotional depth and stunning visuals. With Ann Lee, Fastvold seems poised to cement her reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle complex, unconventional stories.
Why Venice?
The Venice Film Festival has long been a launchpad for Oscar contenders and arthouse gems. Fastvold's previous success at the festival bodes well for Ann Lee, which could follow a similar trajectory. The festival's prestigious platform will undoubtedly amplify the film's visibility, especially given its unique premise and star-studded cast.
Ann Lee is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing films of the year. With its bold blend of history, music, and religious fervor, it's a project that could either soar to greatness or collapse under its own ambition. Fastvold's direction, coupled with Seyfried's undeniable talent, suggests the former is more likely. The film's Venice premiere will be a litmus test for its awards potential, but more importantly, it's a chance to see a filmmaker at the height of her creative powers.
Do you think Ann Lee has what it takes to become the next big awards contender, or will its unconventional premise alienate audiences?
