Review of Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) by David M — 15 Apr 2012
A psychological drama that is sold on the star-making performance of Elizabeth Olsen. The younger sister of the famous twins proves that she has more chops than them put together. Marcy May( Marlene) is a young girl who joins a convent.
They are a tight group, they farm and live outside society. She's obviously a lost and wounded soul. Marlene is an angst-ridden broken human being whose past holds unspeakable horrors. They are one in the same.
The film cuts back and forth between Martha (as her family knows her) trying to cope in normal life while still dealing with the brainwashing she received and the mistreatment. And Marcy May (the name given by leader (the enigmatic Hawkes)) who joins a convent that turns out to be a much more sinister cult.
The film keeps a tight grip on you, and keeps you guessing as to what is in her head, and what is real. And as the cult removes its mask and shows its ugly face you are horrified to see what the manipulation can do to these poor souls.
An incredible turn for both first time writer/director Durkin and newcomer Olsen. I'm anxious to see what they do next.
This review of Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) was written by David M on 15 Apr 2012.
Martha Marcy May Marlene has generally received positive reviews.
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