Review of Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) by Peter W — 02 Nov 2012
Honestly... it's difficult to find bad things to say about the psychological mind-fuck that is MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE. The four names in the title confuse the potential viewer much the same way Elizabeth Olsen, in a bravura debut performance that is sure to make her a star, is confused about her own life, journey, and overall place on this earth.
As a woman in her 20s, she struggles with a lack of purpose which perpetuates itself into a world full of cultish danger she never saw coming. The careful editing, direction, and performances propel this piece straight through to its haunting ending all the way pushing the viewer's buttons one by one by one.
The screenplay charts you through her downward spiral while leaking shards of information from her traumatic experience, slowly but effectively giving way to the reasons for her madness. This just goes to show that you don't need big flash and flair to pull of a truly compelling film.
This review of Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) was written by Peter W on 02 Nov 2012.
Martha Marcy May Marlene has generally received positive reviews.
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