A Triumphant Return to Venice for Mona Fastvold

Mona Fastvold, the creative force behind 'The Brutalist', made a triumphant return to the Venice Film Festival with her latest directorial venture, 'The Testament of Ann Lee', starring none other than Amanda Seyfried. The film premiered in competition on Monday afternoon, and the audience responded with an impressive 15 and a half minutes of applause.

Emotional Reactions on Premier Night

Following the screening at the famed Sala Grande, Seyfried was visibly moved, shedding tears and receiving heartfelt comfort from co-star Tomasin McKenzie. The pair even delighted attendees by reenacting some of the distinctive Shaker dance moves featured in the film.

Unveiling a Revolutionary Leader

Fastvold co-wrote 'The Testament of Ann Lee' with her husband, Brady Corbet, who also directed 'The Brutalist'. The film chronicles the extraordinary life of Ann Lee, born in 1736 in Manchester, England. As the magnetic figure behind the Shaker movement, known for its ecstatic singing and dancing, Lee faced persecution in England and embarked on a journey to America in 1774, eager to spread her transformative message.

Support from Fellow Creatives

Brady Corbet showed his unwavering support by walking through the theater aisles, clapping enthusiastically for his wife's work. The premiere drew a star-studded crowd, including notable guests Kaia Gerber and Paul Dano.

Critics Weigh In on the Film's Provocative Themes

In a review from Deadline, critic Damon Wise hailed the film as "strange and oddly visceral", capturing the Shaker movement's lasting allure with its mix of fervor and puritanical abandon, remarking that the film's themes are decidedly divisive.

Exploring the Essence of Female Leadership

During a press conference, Fastvold shared her inspiration behind exploring Ann Lee's life, highlighting its resonance with her approach to leadership on set. "In a male-dominated industry, I strive to foster a nurturing and empathetic environment," she explained, drawing parallels between her creative process and the visionary leadership of Lee.