The Huckleberries Vol. 5 - The Testament of Ann Lee & Two Sleepy People

    Obviously we want to have an area for reviewing new films here at The Film Encomium, but we want to send a message with our methodology. That message is a simple one: Don’t forget about the fun. 

     Yes, film can be transformative, prophetic, and groundbreaking. It can also be none of those things and still be a damn good time, and we want to validate both of those experiences. If your goal is to study the capacity of creation when one is unafraid of taking risks, we recommend the works of Fred Zinnemann—but if you want to become well-rounded, we still recommend letting the romantic stylings of Hugh Grant tug at your heartstrings from time-to-time. 

     It is from the balance of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn that we draw inspiration for the title of this section. Tom is clever; Tom is great. If there were one of those boys we were going to try to get into Harvard, it would be young Mr. Sawyer…but he will always need his Huckleberry. 

     We all need our Huckleberries. Art needs its Huckleberries. Sometimes beauty is in the little things and reasoned reflection. Other times beauty is loud, bright, and bold. In the interest of providing our readers with a comprehensive experience, we are not willing to skip The Huckleberries. 

     So, with that in mind, here are two engrossing flicks that dropped in theaters recently. The first will transport you into the hellish headspace of a walking deity. The second will show you how big emotions can sometimes be found in the smallest of productions. Enjoy!

The Testament of Ann Lee -

Amanda Seyfried has always been a solid actress. Even her first role as Lucy in As the World Turns saw her holding her own with far more seasoned actors. Her feature film debut was the less-than-serious character of Karen in Mean Girls, but her portrayal of that character was one of the parts of that film that helped elevate it to a cult classic (and, honestly, it’s debatable whether or not we need to include the “cult” qualifier there). This isn't even the first time she has risen to the challenge of shining in a history-adjacent musical drama—she was previously one of the standouts amongst the impressive and award-winning cast of Les Misérables.

All that is building up to what has to be said about this particular performance: Amanda Seyfried has never been CLOSE to this level before. This year’s Academy Awards were full of snubs that are difficult to forgive, but the lack of Seyfried’s name amongst the Best Actress nominees is at or near the top of the list. She pours herself headfirst into a role of madness and passion, and it is one of the most captivating portrayals of an actual historical figure you will ever see.

Now, the actual figure she chose to portray? That is likely the source of a lot of the mixed reactions to this film, and as an extension may have contributed to some of the snubs and lack of exposure it has experienced. For those not familiar with Ann Lee as a luminary, she was the foundational leader and Christ Figure of the Shakers—a sect of Quakers who broke off to form their own church. The distinction that inspired their name is their convulsive reactions to worship during their frequent and lengthy revivals. This was an early form of much of the speaking in tongues and similar expressions of faith seen in some more extreme examples of modern Christianity, which led to the moniker of “Shaking Quakers” or “Shakers” for short. 

That shaking is at the core of this production. Although the film is relatively strong in regards to historical accuracy, it is also intended to be the account of a devout believer. This helps to lend to the advanced lyricism and choreography the film displays in its adaptations of traditional Shaker hymns, without breaking the overall illusion. 

You should definitely go into this expecting to see an interpretation of events that is every bit as faithful to the legend as the most devout follower. It is actually in the reaction to this approach that one is able to see the exceptionally unbiased position they take with this film. One subset of easily offended people has called out The Testament of Ann Lee for being religious propaganda, while another subset of easily offended people has tried to call it out for deriding Christianity as categorically loony. When you take on a sensitive subject such as unconventional religious practices, mild but mutual offense is the preeminent reaction one can receive. 

If you enjoy musicals, history, theology, choreography, or slow descents into madness, this film is a must see. 

Two Sleepy People - 

An indie rom-com with a bit more emphasis on the “indie” portion of that than either the “rom” or the “com” portions. The feature film debut from the writer and comedic short creator Baron Ryan, this is a bold leap onto the big screen is infused with his particular brand of wit and styling. Caroline Grossman (also known on YouTube as Caroline Konstnar) brings her considerable talents both to the writer’s room with Ryan and to the marquee as his co-star. 

This film is proof that—in a day of special effects and international megastars—sometimes you can still get the job done just by being really god damn clever. One of the benefits of indie filmmaking is that the smaller scope allows for a more flexible process. For instance, a writer has the ability to build the concept of a character around the actor they personally know who will be portraying said character. Facilitation such as that allows a production team to maximize the potential of their performers, locations, and overall delivery. 

That is what helps the quirk and originality seamlessly flow out of this storyline; every little thing seems to be in the exact place it belongs. A cast of passionate and talented young artists all putting themselves and one another in a position to succeed is a sturdy weapon in filmmaking. With that in place here, a compelling idea becomes transformed into an engrossing experience. 

As for the concept itself? It makes for almost an anti-rom-com. The protagonist of the story is Syd, also played by Ryan. The scenario the audience is dropped into sees him in a complicated love triangle where he not only is drawn to two women, but also torn between waking life and the dreamworld. Which proves to be an innovative and impactful manner to convey the feeling of personal growth hitting you like a pile of bricks. 

Tread lightly when treating this movie as a typical date night feature. The advertising for the movie itself brags that “4 couples broke up after the first premiere” and it isn’t particularly difficult to believe that claim. If romance is the most important contribution you need from your romantic comedy, this may not be the flick to scratch your itch. If you have an adoration for clever, low-budget, charming indie films? This is one you absolutely need to give a chance as soon as possible.  

~The Film Encomium~