Review of Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) by Dawdlingpoet — 25 Nov 2021

This is really quite a dark and murky film - its sombre and unsettling. There are many flashbacks shown, which give you an idea as to what happened to Martha while she was a member of the cult. There are plenty of things which aren't clarified, so as a viewer we have to come to our own conclusions about certain things.

Its both dark in terms of tone and also lighting wise at times. There's a juxtaposition present, with scenes showing Martha in the present day, with reaquainted parents and friends, trying to act normal again, while we know there were some dark things she had to escape from, trauma she's forced to keep.

I found it quite frustrating watching the parents struggle to deal with their daughters new personality. Its a sobering watch, a well made film that I'd recommend, if your ok with it being a grim film.