VENICE, Italy — Amanda Seyfried experienced an emotional moment at the Venice Film Festival, where her latest film, “The Testament of Ann Lee,” received an enthusiastic 15-minute standing ovation, surpassing previous highlights of the festival. The film, directed by Mona Fastvold, captivated the audience and sparked a powerful response from both viewers and cast members.

As the applause and cheers filled the air, Seyfried, visibly moved, celebrated alongside co-writer Brady Corbet, who engaged with the crowd while Seyfried energetically raised her fists in delight. By the time the ovation reached its seventh minute, Seyfried could be heard quietly questioning what to do next, reflecting both her surprise and joy at the overwhelming reception.

While some in the front rows began to leave after ten minutes, many balcony patrons, including production team members and potential buyers, continued to show their appreciation, clapping their hands enthusiastically. Corbet and Fastvold departed the stage while the applause lingered, underscoring the film’s impact.

“I think people quite liked it,” Seyfried shared, her voice filled with relief and happiness, as she exited the venue.

Seyfried takes on the lead role of Ann Lee in the film, accompanied by an impressive cast including Lewis Pullman, Thomasin McKenzie, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson, Christopher Abbott, and Matthew Beard. “The Testament of Ann Lee” is described as an epic fable that explores Lee’s journey as one of the few female religious leaders in the 18th century, chronicling the creation of the Shaker movement.

The Shakers, who immigrated from England and first settled in New York, are known for their distinctive worship practices characterized by ecstatic expressions and a commitment to celibacy and communal living. Today, the Shaker community has nearly vanished, with only three remaining adherents.

Although the film is not a traditional musical, Seyfried does showcase her vocal talents, collaborating with Daniel Blumberg, the Oscar-winning composer from “The Brutalist.” In discussing her performance, Seyfried mentioned the unique vocalization techniques she employed, humorously referring to some of her sounds as “animal noises” rather than melodies, emphasizing the film’s artistic approach to sound and performance.

“The Testament of Ann Lee” stands as a testament to the strength of its historical narrative and the emotional depth brought by its cast, marking a significant moment for Seyfried and the continued exploration of complex female figures in cinema. As the festival continues, the film’s reception may pave the way for interesting discussions about its themes and storytelling techniques.