Amanda Seyfried on Women Showing Up to Theaters for Housemaid, Ann Lee

Amanda Seyfried capped off 2025 with a diverse set of roles, appearing in both the musical drama “The Testament of Ann Lee” and the erotic thriller “The Housemaid” within days of each other. Despite the films being “vastly different,” Seyfried highlighted a common thread: a focus on compelling female characters.

A Dual Release and Artistic Choices

Seyfried discussed her approach to selecting projects during a press conference at the Berlin Film Festival for “The Testament of Ann Lee” on Thursday. She explained that she considers “what’s worth leaving my kids for?” and seeks opportunities to challenge herself as an artist and gain self-awareness. She described “The Testament of Ann Lee” as possessing “quality,” which she defines as a “clear vision” and a compelling exploration of a life story.

Did You Know? Ann Lee, portrayed by Seyfried in “The Testament of Ann Lee,” was the founder of the Shaker religious community and preached gender equality and social justice.

While acknowledging the significant differences in content and filming experience, Seyfried also praised “The Housemaid,” starring alongside Sydney Sweeney, as a box office hit that allowed her to “flex” her artistic abilities. She described both projects as “fruitful” and personally rewarding.

The Importance of Strong Female Leads

Seyfried emphasized her appreciation for the shared theme of female strength in both films. She noted that both stories centre on “women with needs” who are “activated by those needs and by the need for equality and safety in the world.” She expressed her enthusiasm for both films and their simultaneous release, stating they “do say something” and are attracting female audiences to theatres.

Expert Insight: Seyfried’s comments reflect a broader trend in the entertainment industry toward narratives that prioritize female agency and explore complex female characters, potentially responding to audience demand for more diverse and empowering representation.

The “The Testament of Ann Lee” team, including Seyfried, director and writer Mona Fastvold, composer Daniel Blumberg, and producer Andrew Morrison, were present at the Berlin press conference. The film had its initial premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September, with theatrical releases in the U.S. On December 25 and the U.K. On February 20.

Alongside Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee” features performances by Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson, and Christopher Abbott. Though the film did not receive any Oscar nominations, Seyfried was nominated for best actress in a musical or comedy at both the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards. Variety’s Guy Lodge praised Seyfried’s performance as “a performance of redoubtable commitment and nerve-deep feeling.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What films was Amanda Seyfried promoting?

Amanda Seyfried was promoting “The Testament of Ann Lee” and “The Housemaid.”

Where did Seyfried discuss her projects?

Seyfried discussed her projects at a press conference at the Berlin Film Festival.

What did Seyfried say about the quality of a project?

Seyfried defined quality as a “clear vision” and an exploration of someone’s life through storytelling with a “real edge.”

As more films explore nuanced female characters, what impact do you think this will have on the future of storytelling?