A Critical Examination of "The Shaker Musical"

Mona Fastvold's film, centered on the life of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker sect, is described as an 18th-century fever-dream musical. The narrative follows Lee, portrayed by Amanda Seyfried, who is deeply affected by her childhood experiences in Manchester, England, particularly her traumatic encounters with her parents' sexual activities. This trauma shapes her worldview, leading her to establish a religion that promotes a strict anti-sex philosophy.

Variety Magazine

The film has garnered significant criticism for its pacing and overall execution. Described as "stultifying," the 137-minute runtime is characterized as a "ritual of penance" for viewers. Critics argue that while the film attempts to present a bold and austere vision, it ultimately falls short due to its "plodding and scattershot" narrative structure. The portrayal of group dynamics is noted to lack the necessary dramatic tension, which detracts from the film's potential impact.

Variety Magazine

Despite the film's ambition, the musical numbers have been met with skepticism. Rather than elevating the narrative, they are compared to a production of "The Crucible" staged by Corky St. Clair, suggesting that they fail to interrupt the "flow of reverent monotony." This raises questions about the effectiveness of the musical format in conveying the story's themes and emotional weight.

Variety Magazine

The film's reception highlights broader implications for the musical genre, particularly when it intersects with historical and religious narratives. Critics suggest that the failure to engage audiences through compelling drama and music may reflect a growing challenge for filmmakers attempting to innovate within traditional storytelling frameworks.

Variety Magazine

While there are no official statements from the filmmakers or production team regarding the criticism, the film's ambition to explore complex themes through a musical lens has been acknowledged in various reviews. The juxtaposition of Ann Lee's life with musical elements aims to create a unique narrative experience, although the execution has been widely debated.

Variety Magazine

Critics have been vocal about their disappointment with the film, emphasizing that its attempts at profundity are undermined by its execution. The lack of engaging drama and the ineffective musical numbers have led to a consensus that the film does not fulfill its artistic ambitions.

Variety Magazine

• “The word that best describes Mona Fastvold’s 18th-century fever-dream musical about the founder of the Shaker sect is stultifying.” — Variety Review

Variety Magazine

• “It’s a movie that tries to be boldly austere, but it’s so plodding and scattershot that sitting through all 137 minutes of it is a ritual of penance.” — Variety Review

Variety Magazine

• “Actually, the numbers play like something out of “The Crucible” as staged by Corky St.” — Variety Review

Variety Magazine

In summary, "The Shaker Musical" presents a complex narrative that struggles to resonate with audiences, raising questions about the effectiveness of its artistic choices and the challenges faced by filmmakers in the musical genre.

Variety Magazine