Testament of Ann Lee vs Mormon Cinema
Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2026 3:00 pm
I had the immense pleasure of catching the new film, "Testament of Ann Lee" in glorious 70mm. As one of the few people on the planet who has watched (on the silver screen) both "Six Days in August" and this film about the Shakers, I feel uniquely qualified to compare and contrast these two religious films both set in the late 1700's/early 1800's time period.
To begin, the difference in weight and gravitas is palpable. Six Days in August feels like one of those videos they roll out from the ward video library, to play in front of a sleepy chapel sunday school crowd. The Testament of Ann Lee, on the other hand, is a true piece of artwork. The Shaker religion is treated with immense dignity and respect, and the scenes of their dancing and shaking are visceral. The soundtrack and the visuals are absolutely captivating.
During the middle of the film, you begin to really sympathize with Ann Lee. She receives a revelation from God that the only way to return to God is to abstain from all forms of sex. This puts an incredible strain on her marriage. Her husband lasts 6 years before he finally falters under the weight of the restriction. The film doesn't hold back in its depiction of sex, it's an adult movie for adults. Six Days feels like a children's movie in comparison.
The comparison to Joseph Smith is inescapable. Joseph received a revelation from God that he must cheat on his wife Emma. The polar moral opposite. While Ann had to accept a revelation that was personally devastating, Joseph conveniently received a revelation that allowed him to indulge in carnal pleasures.
In the end, you leave the cinema to credits that are barely audible, just the quiet sounds of nature to reflect on Ann Lee's life. I can't recommend the film enough to anyone interested in early American religion.
I do find it interesting that Ann's religious movement never caught on. And yet the one founded by Joseph and Brigham, by men who were fine living in bigamy and sin, became one of the world's richest and most powerful religions today. It's obvious to me which one aligns more closely with Christ's message and ministry.
Here's the trailer for the film to get the flavor of it, again I highly recommend it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb0ZhiDD9J0
To begin, the difference in weight and gravitas is palpable. Six Days in August feels like one of those videos they roll out from the ward video library, to play in front of a sleepy chapel sunday school crowd. The Testament of Ann Lee, on the other hand, is a true piece of artwork. The Shaker religion is treated with immense dignity and respect, and the scenes of their dancing and shaking are visceral. The soundtrack and the visuals are absolutely captivating.
During the middle of the film, you begin to really sympathize with Ann Lee. She receives a revelation from God that the only way to return to God is to abstain from all forms of sex. This puts an incredible strain on her marriage. Her husband lasts 6 years before he finally falters under the weight of the restriction. The film doesn't hold back in its depiction of sex, it's an adult movie for adults. Six Days feels like a children's movie in comparison.
The comparison to Joseph Smith is inescapable. Joseph received a revelation from God that he must cheat on his wife Emma. The polar moral opposite. While Ann had to accept a revelation that was personally devastating, Joseph conveniently received a revelation that allowed him to indulge in carnal pleasures.
In the end, you leave the cinema to credits that are barely audible, just the quiet sounds of nature to reflect on Ann Lee's life. I can't recommend the film enough to anyone interested in early American religion.
I do find it interesting that Ann's religious movement never caught on. And yet the one founded by Joseph and Brigham, by men who were fine living in bigamy and sin, became one of the world's richest and most powerful religions today. It's obvious to me which one aligns more closely with Christ's message and ministry.
Here's the trailer for the film to get the flavor of it, again I highly recommend it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb0ZhiDD9J0