Actress Stacy Martin isn't one for superstition, but she has had her fair share of inexplicable encounters. One such instance was when a lightbulb in her north London home continued to flicker despite multiple replacements. Rather than seeking an explanation online, Martin turned to her annual tea leaf reader, whom she meets under a pseudonym.
"I was like: 'What if I just start talking to this person that apparently wants to talk to me?'" Martin recalls. "And so I did. And that light never flickered again."
Martin is not one to shy away from unconventional experiences or the idea of entities beyond human understanding. In her latest film, The Testament of Ann Lee, she plays a key role as Jane "Mother Jane" Wardley, the leader of the Shaking Quakers and the woman who guides 18th-century religious leader Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried) towards spiritual liberation.
Martin has long been drawn to unconventional narratives, having worked with art-house provocateurs such as Lars von Trier, Ben Wheatley, and her frequent collaborators Brady Corbet and Celia Rowlson-Hall. Her on-screen persona is often coolly intelligent and occasionally stern, a trait she attributes to her desire to challenge expectations.
As Martin chats from the study of her Los Angeles home – an oak-panelled library filled with books that are split between London and LA – it's clear she has a dry sense of humor and an interest in unconventional pursuits. She's been reading David Lynch biography and exploring quantum physics, activities that have earned her puzzled looks from friends who understand only a fraction of what they're discussing.
One topic Martin is keenly interested in, however, is the nature of power and spirituality. In The Testament of Ann Lee, she delves into the complex relationship between abstinence, spiritual devotion, and social hierarchy among the Shakers. "For the movement to be so visceral, and about catharsis, and worshipping … I was just quite surprised that she decided not to have sex with her husband," Martin admits with a chuckle.
Martin's interest in spirituality also led her to explore the mystique surrounding Jane Wardley, whose character embodies both a desire for spiritual connection and an unsettling amount of control. Martin notes how the Shakers sought to empower women by removing societal pressures tied to sex, effectively turning their celibacy into a potent tool for personal and collective liberation.
As we discuss The Testament of Ann Lee, it becomes clear that Stacy Martin is drawn to projects that push boundaries – be they narrative, thematic or creative. Working with Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet has been an integral part of her growth as an actress and writer, with the pair embodying a symbiotic collaboration that transcends individual visions.
When asked about Fastvold's perspective on her performance, Martin praises the director as "a true cinephile" with an instinctive understanding of larger filmic narratives. As for herself, she finds inspiration in films that resonate with audiences on multiple levels – and is eager to tackle more mainstream projects.
Speaking candidly about her career trajectory, Martin emphasizes her desire to avoid repeating familiar roles. Her recent success has opened doors to the mainstream, including a coveted spot in an upcoming adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. And if she's being completely honest? A dinosaur-sized dream does still exist – manifesting her presence in the next Jurassic Park.
"I don't want to do the same thing over and over again," Martin says wistfully as we wrap up our conversation, "so I keep trying new things."
"I was like: 'What if I just start talking to this person that apparently wants to talk to me?'" Martin recalls. "And so I did. And that light never flickered again."
Martin is not one to shy away from unconventional experiences or the idea of entities beyond human understanding. In her latest film, The Testament of Ann Lee, she plays a key role as Jane "Mother Jane" Wardley, the leader of the Shaking Quakers and the woman who guides 18th-century religious leader Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried) towards spiritual liberation.
Martin has long been drawn to unconventional narratives, having worked with art-house provocateurs such as Lars von Trier, Ben Wheatley, and her frequent collaborators Brady Corbet and Celia Rowlson-Hall. Her on-screen persona is often coolly intelligent and occasionally stern, a trait she attributes to her desire to challenge expectations.
As Martin chats from the study of her Los Angeles home – an oak-panelled library filled with books that are split between London and LA – it's clear she has a dry sense of humor and an interest in unconventional pursuits. She's been reading David Lynch biography and exploring quantum physics, activities that have earned her puzzled looks from friends who understand only a fraction of what they're discussing.
One topic Martin is keenly interested in, however, is the nature of power and spirituality. In The Testament of Ann Lee, she delves into the complex relationship between abstinence, spiritual devotion, and social hierarchy among the Shakers. "For the movement to be so visceral, and about catharsis, and worshipping … I was just quite surprised that she decided not to have sex with her husband," Martin admits with a chuckle.
Martin's interest in spirituality also led her to explore the mystique surrounding Jane Wardley, whose character embodies both a desire for spiritual connection and an unsettling amount of control. Martin notes how the Shakers sought to empower women by removing societal pressures tied to sex, effectively turning their celibacy into a potent tool for personal and collective liberation.
As we discuss The Testament of Ann Lee, it becomes clear that Stacy Martin is drawn to projects that push boundaries – be they narrative, thematic or creative. Working with Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet has been an integral part of her growth as an actress and writer, with the pair embodying a symbiotic collaboration that transcends individual visions.
When asked about Fastvold's perspective on her performance, Martin praises the director as "a true cinephile" with an instinctive understanding of larger filmic narratives. As for herself, she finds inspiration in films that resonate with audiences on multiple levels – and is eager to tackle more mainstream projects.
Speaking candidly about her career trajectory, Martin emphasizes her desire to avoid repeating familiar roles. Her recent success has opened doors to the mainstream, including a coveted spot in an upcoming adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. And if she's being completely honest? A dinosaur-sized dream does still exist – manifesting her presence in the next Jurassic Park.
"I don't want to do the same thing over and over again," Martin says wistfully as we wrap up our conversation, "so I keep trying new things."
Stacy Martin's approach to spirituality & power is kinda intriguing - she's all about pushing boundaries & exploring unconventional narratives. Like, who needs a traditional script when you can have an open-ended experience? And isn't it cool that she's not afraid to explore the darker side of human nature, whether it's in her roles or personal interests 
...
. Stacy Martin seems like a cool cat, but the chat felt way too rehearsed and polished. I mean, I get it, she's promoting her own work, but some of that "dry wit" just came across as forced 
. And don't even get me started on how they made her sound like some kind of spiritual guru 
...it's just an interview, can we not keep it real? The only part I actually enjoyed was when she mentioned the dinosaur-sized dream of being in Jurassic Park – now that's something to get excited about! 
And I love how she's pushing boundaries on screen too - from art-house dramas to mainstream adaptations. She's got this incredible dry wit that always has me giggling 
. But what really gets me is how she's using her platform to explore themes of power and spirituality in a way that feels both authentic and thought-provoking 
. It's like she's not just acting, she's actually living it 
anyway, i'm more intrigued by the fact that this actress is trying to tackle mainstream projects after working on all these art-house films 
. not sure how she'll do in sense and sensibility, but hey, it's a start 
It makes me think that Martin's passion project is not just about acting, but also about sparking conversations and challenging people to think differently.
I mean, she'd totally bring that level of depth and nuance to the role. And a Jurassic Park cameo would be amazing – can you even imagine her as Dr. Alan Grant? 
. Martin's willingness to challenge expectations is what makes her performances so compelling 
. And let's be real, can you imagine Stacy Martin in a Jurassic Park adaptation? 
. anywayz, she's playin this role in some movie called The Testament of Ann Lee where she's all like "oh I wanna be spiritual" but really just tryna control ppl 
. also, she's talkin about doin more mainstream projects now coz people know her and shes got a new adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility in the works 
Stacy's story is so inspiring! I mean, who wouldn't wanna connect with a tea leaf reader and get their life back on track? 
But seriously, it's amazing how she approaches her craft with such curiosity and openness. I think that's what makes her performances so captivating - she's not afraid to dive into the unknown and explore unconventional themes.
Their collaborative vibes are giving me all the feels! 
But it sounds like Stacy has found her tribe and is excited to take on new projects, like that Sense and Sensibility adaptation. And who knows? Maybe she'll even make it into the next Jurassic Park... 
she's like a modern day spiritual explorer, but instead of just reading tea leaves, she gets to play characters in some pretty deep and complex films. i love that she's not afraid to take on unconventional roles and collaborate with other artists who share her vision.
! I love how she's drawn to unconventional narratives and isn't afraid to explore themes that challenge expectations. The Testament of Ann Lee seems like a fascinating story, especially with her character Jane "Mother Jane" Wardley embodying both desire for spiritual connection and control 
. But what really resonates with me is her desire to tackle more mainstream projects while still staying true to herself – goals we can all get behind