Review of Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) by Tyler W — 02 Dec 2012

This film is like a strong pint of beer, itâ(TM)s bitter while you are gulping it, when you are done, you don't get a high instantly, but after some time the high begins to set in, and boy, it is a wonderful experience! This riveting psychological drama directed by T. Sean Durkin is a must watch for every indie-film nerd especially for its unhurried progression, thoughtful editing and above all-electrifying performances from a gem of a cast. This performance is bound to elevate Elizabeth Olsen to great heights in Hollywood, thatâ(TM)s for sure.

The film begins with a non-intense escape of Martha (Elizabeth) from a cult led by the sadistic but compelling leader Patrick (John Hawkes). Patrick and his followers live in the woods of some mountainous region in New York. Here Patrick preaches his unorthodox philosophy like- âDeath is pure loveâ?, abuses the womenfolk by sodomizing them after drugging them, in the name of purification. He feeds on the vulnerabilities by adulating them. The film largely deals with the transition of Martha from her disturbing past to her new life with her long estranged older sister-Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law-Ted (Hugh Dancy). The flashbacks of her abusive past keeps plaguing her as she finds it hard to distinguish between her memory and reality. She has a very turbulent stay as she constantly behaves rudely and defies basic norms. As paranoia gets the better of her, Lucy and Ted come to a consensus that she is to be treated. Hence, they drive her to the facility, and that's where the movie ends on a very ambiguous note, leaving the fate of Martha unknown. (Thatâ(TM)s all I am saying).

In a nutshell, the film, is -"make it what you want of it", as Durkin has left it to the viewer to interpret the ending. The film has very incisively depicted the horrors of cult-conditioning which is bound to alarm you. Generally, it's the quintessential indie-film, which will require real patience and imagination on the viewerâ(TM)s part to endure 100 minutes of gradual unraveling of a disturbingly realistic plot. But donâ(TM)t expect twists and turns, because thatâ(TM)s not what indie film is about. If you are expecting that, then well, donâ(TM)t watch it at all. But if you do then focus and let the message seep (read creep) into you steadily.