The 2026 cinematic year has been set ablaze by a film that is as visually arresting as it is spiritually provocative. Searchlight Pictures’ The Testament of Ann Lee, directed by the visionary Mona Fastvold, has officially transitioned from its decorated festival run to a wide global release. Starring Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried in what critics are calling a “career-defining” performance, the musical biopic explores the radical life of the founder of the Shaker movement.
As the film gathers momentum for the upcoming Academy Awards, audiences are eager to find where they can experience this “audacious avant-garde masterpiece.” Whether you are looking for a 70mm theatrical screening or awaiting its digital debut, here is the official broadcast and streaming roadmap for The Testament of Ann Lee.
Theatrical Release: Where to Buy Tickets
Following its limited North American debut on December 25, 2025, the film has expanded into a wide release as of early January 2026. Searchlight Pictures has prioritized an “artisan” theatrical window to emphasize the film’s unique 70mm cinematography and immersive sound design.
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United States & North America
The film is currently playing in major cinema chains and independent arthouse hubs:
- Major Chains: AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, and Cinemark have listed the film as part of their “Premium Large Format” (PLF) offerings.
- Boutique Cinemas: For a more curated experience, screenings are available at Alamo Drafthouse, Film Streams (Omaha), and Film at Lincoln Center (NYC).
- Ticketing: Showtimes and seat reservations can be made via Fandango, Atom Tickets, and AMC Theatres’ official app.
United Kingdom & International Rollout
The international distribution is being handled primarily by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.
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- United Kingdom & Ireland: The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on February 20, 2026, through Showcase Cinemas and ODEON.
- Australia: Audiences can expect a premiere at HOYTS and Deluxe Cinemas starting February 26, 2026.
- Europe: The film arrives in France on March 11, 2026, following its high-profile screening at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Digital & Streaming: When Will It Be Online?
Because The Testament of Ann Lee is a Searchlight Pictures production (a subsidiary of Disney), its streaming path is well-defined but adheres to a traditional theatrical-first exclusivity window.
- Disney+ & Hulu: In the United States, the film is expected to land on Hulu (and the Disney+ Hulu hub) in Late March or April 2026, typically 90 to 100 days after its initial US theatrical release.
- International Streaming: Outside the US, the film will be hosted exclusively on the Star tile of Disney+.
- VOD (Video on Demand): For those looking to own the film, a digital purchase and rental window on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube Movies is anticipated for early March 2026.
- Note on Netflix: Despite early rumors at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Netflix does not hold the distribution rights for this title. However, the film’s success has sparked renewed interest in other Seyfried-led projects currently on the platform.
Critical Insight: Why ‘Ann Lee’ Is the Season’s “Must-Watch”
The Testament of Ann Lee is far from a standard historical biopic. It is a “musical passion play” that chronicles the 18th-century journey of Ann Lee from the industrial streets of Manchester to the untamed wilderness of upstate New York.
The Narrative Core:
The story is narrated by Mary Partington (Thomasin McKenzie), a disciple who offers a “storybook-style” reflection on Ann Lee’s life. The film follows Lee (Amanda Seyfried) and her brother William (Lewis Pullman) as they establish a utopian society based on gender equality, shared wealth, and—most controversially—total celibacy.
Technical Brilliance:
- Choreography: Celia Rowlson-Hall reimagines Shaker worship as a series of “rapturous, angular movements” that border on performance art.
- Score: The music, composed by Daniel Blumberg (following his success with The Brutalist), utilizes traditional Shaker hymns but reinvents them with an experimental, modern edge.
- Performances: Seyfried’s portrayal is being lauded for its “unshakable zeal,” while supporting turns from Christopher Abbott, Tim Blake Nelson, and Stacy Martin provide a grounded counterpoint to the film’s spiritual ecstasy.
Quick Watch Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Director | Mona Fastvold |
| Screenplay | Mona Fastvold & Brady Corbet |
| Starring | Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman |
| Runtime | 2 Hours 17 Minutes |
| Genre | Musical / Historical Drama / Biopic |
| Rating | M / R (Mature themes and visceral imagery) |
The Verdict
Whether it’s the “anti-singing” vocal approach of Seyfried or the haunting 70mm visual tableaux, The Testament of Ann Lee is a cinematic event that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible. As the film dominates the current conversation, it stands as a testament to the power of faith and the enduring legacy of a woman who dared to imagine a different world.
