Quiver Distribution has released a trailer, poster, and images for The Well, a dystopian thriller directed by Hubert Davis. The film features a cast that includes Joanne Boland, Noah Lamanna, Sheila McCarthy, Steven McCarthy, and Shailyn Pierre-Dixon. Set in a world ravaged by environmental collapse, where survivors are forced to compete for the dwindling remaining resources, a young woman's loyalties are challenged when a wounded man arrives and uncovers her family's hidden freshwater supply. The Well is scheduled to premiere on March 20th, 2026. About Gary Collinson: Gary Collinson is a filmmaker, television, and digital content producer and writer, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the pop culture website Flickering Myth. He is also the producer of the gothic horror film 'The Baby in the Basket' and the suspense thriller 'Death Among the Pines.'

      The Testament of Ann Lee, 2025.

      Directed by Mona Fastvold.

      Featuring Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie, Matthew Beard, Christopher Abbott, David Cale, Stacy Martin, Scott Handy, Jeremy Wheeler, Tim Blake Nelson, Daniel Blumberg, Jamie Bogyo, Viola Prettejohn, Natalie Shinnick, Shannon Woodward, Millie-Rose Crossley, Willem van der Vegt, Esmee Hewett, Harry Conway, Benjamin Bagota, Maria Sand, Scott Alexander Young, Matti Boustedt, George Taylor, Alexis Latham, Lark White, Viktória Dányi, and Roy McCrerey.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Ann Lee, the leader who founded the Shaker Movement, was hailed as the female Christ by her followers. The film illustrates her creation of a utopian society and the Shakers' worship through music and dance, all based on actual events. It presents the idea that the second coming of Christ was a woman. Narrated as a legendary tale and crafted as a cinematic epic, co-writer/director Mona Fastvold’s The Testament of Ann Lee recounts the life of the titular 18th-century preacher, who occasionally encountered divine visions instructing her on how to enlighten her followers and liberate them from sin.

      This group, an offshoot of the Quakers known as the Shakers, achieved this through stimulating, full-body rhythmic dance routines set to hymns beautifully sung by Amanda Seyfried and others. A significant distinction of the group—and arguably a challenging aspect of the film beyond its religious themes—is Ann Lee's assertion that achieving true holiness requires complete renunciation of sexual relationships and a celibate lifestyle. This declaration prompted some laughter during the CIFF festival screening, although it quickly faded as audiences increasingly embraced her mission and beliefs.

      It’s not particularly surprising that Mona Fastvold faced challenges in initiating this project. Perhaps the financial backing was eventually secured due to the accolades received by The Brutalist (directed by her husband Brady Corbet and co-written by her), another film that struggled to garner interest. This should serve as a reminder that there is an audience for every type of story.

      Regardless of one's beliefs about religious movements or views on faith, The Testament of Ann Lee is strikingly hypnotic in its execution. It showcases Amanda Seyfried delivering a career-defining performance, showcasing her full range of acting skills at the peak of her abilities. While there are moments of sorrow and trauma, the film avoids lingering in despair, instead characterizing her Shaker movement with themes of hope, miracles, and resilience as they journey from Manchester to Niskayuna, New York, expanding their following while confronting personal and communal challenges.

      The film meticulously chronicles Ann Lee’s life with tight editing that rarely drags, largely focusing on the early stages of the Shaker movement and their years-long struggle against sexism as a female preacher, while trying to secure a foothold amidst increasing tensions between the British and Americans. It also delves into the experiences that fueled her aversion to sexual intimacy, her marriage to blacksmith Abraham (Christopher Abbott), and her relationships with loyal supporters, including her brother William (Lewis Pullman) and Mary (Thomasin McKenzie, who also narrates). Given the unfortunate reality that most women, especially wives, were expected to lack agency compared to men and primarily bear children, it is genuinely inspiring to see her form a group with similar convictions that trusts her visions and embraces celibacy. The journey of whether they all achieve success reveals who remains truly loyal to her cause.

      However, this isn’t a conventional biopic. Instead, it pulsates with vibrancy and spirit, particularly through the exhilarating dance sequences portraying beautifully choreographed, seizure-like movements (usually filmed by William Rexer from an elevated angle, capturing the room's collective energy and creating a visually captivating experience). The songs throughout are masterfully performed, enhancing the film's enthralling nature. Nearly every shot is visually stunning, culminating in a perfectly executed final image. While the film does lose some momentum in the third act as it nears a tense confrontation with dissenters feeling threatened by her influence and the Shaker movement’s pacifist stance during the emerging American Revolution,

      any hesitations about engaging with a religious movement promoting peace and celibacy while striving to create a utopia (which poses a stark contrast to The Brutalist) will dissipate like sin. That’s the magic of cinema; even those without religious inclinations will find it hard not to be captivated by Ann Lee’s story. Whether it’s fact, fiction, or embellishment matters little; the narrative is presented with sincerity and respectful understanding. In The Testament of Ann Lee, Amanda Seyfried embodies this for a portrayal that is sacred, empowering, infectious, and utterly breathtaking.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★