Interview: Amanda Seyfried Returns to Talk ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ (and ‘The Housemaid’)

Amanda Seyfried listens as much as anyone I’ve ever interviewed. We previously spoke years ago (here) for Mank and it was wonderful, especially as it came during a very tough time in the world. When you chat with her, she really does take in what you saw, thoughtfully responding. It was that way last time, and it was the same now, as she’s back to discuss The Testament of Ann Lee, having had Mank score her an Academy Award nomination, while the ensuing years have firmly established her as more than a pretty face. Last week, we hopped on Zoom for a bit to get into this star turn. Now, with the movie in theaters, our conversation comes your way.

In my review of the film (here), I said the following about Seyfried’s performance:

Amanda Seyfried is best in show, doing phenomenal work. That takes nothing away from a very good Christopher Abbott and Lewis Pullman, nor a quite solid Thomasin McKenzie. It just speaks to have amazing Seyfried is, giving a physical performance that matches an emotional one. Fastvold doesn’t judge Ann Lee in the slightest, taking her in on her own terms, which is a tricky narrative decision, but one that pays off hugely in terms of the work being done by Seyfried. If she scores her second Academy Award nomination, it will be richly deserved. Her shaking alone is Oscar worthy, as there are few performances this year that can match the intensity shown here. 

Below, you can see my chat with Seyfried. The Testament of Ann Lee is a real showcase for her, as well as an incredibly intense ask of any actress, so hearing about that was fascinating. Seyfried is clearly proud of the work, as well as invested in it being well received, and it shows in how she speaks of it. That pride extends to her other performance here in December, which is in The Housemaid. She brings up that flick all on her own, which leads to a quick back and forth about her time on Family Feud with her co-stars and filmmaker. We have a good time here, so definitely check it out, as well as the film itself, which is now in limited release.

Here now is my interview with The Testament of Ann Lee star Amanda Seyfried. Enjoy:

The Testament of Ann Lee is in theaters now!