Mamma Mia! (2008)

From its visually stunning opening credits, which show women dancing through a forest to musical rhythms that sound almost primal, to its quiet, heartbreaking final frame, Mona Fastvold’s historical rendering of the Shaker religious movement is an experience that will stay with me for a long time.

While some viewers may find the slow pacing of The Testament of Ann Lee a bit demanding for a musical, to me, it only underscored the boldness and ambition of the unfolding story on screen. Amanda Seyfried held me in a trance from start to finish as Ann Lee, the founder of Shakerism. Her beautiful voice, accompanied by raw, thrilling music and choreography, reminded me that she is not only an incredibly expressive actress but also a phenomenal singer.

A movie covering sensitive and serious topics is necessary in our world.

This review of Amazon Studio’s Herself contains spoilers — proceed with caution!

Herself is directed by Phyllida Lloyd, best known for directing Mamma Mia! and The Iron Lady, and written by Malcolm Campbell and the star of the film, Clare Dunne.

The film illustrates the life of a single mother who struggles to provide an ideal childhood for her two daughters. Through acts of kindness from several individuals, Sandra builds a house and reestablishes her identity.