Uh oh! Your Internet browser is outdated and cannot run the Cinema Club's website. In addition to obstructing your experience here, viewing other websites using this browser is not only limiting for you, but it also opens your computer to security risks. In order to view this site, and to protect your computer, please upgrade to a modern browser of your choice: Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox (Worry not– it's quick, safe and free, and you won't regret it!)
Elizabeth Olsen stars in director Sean Durkin's psychological thriller, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, about a young woman who undergoes an explosive crisis of identity after escaping the confines of a rural cult-like farming community. Trapped by unsettling flashes of memories from the past and visions of a perilous future, she becomes taken over by an unsettling sense of fear, leaving her consumed by paranoia and a mysterious burden of guilt.
I think I was in the minority, but I liked this movie a lot. I'm not sure why people found it difficult to follow. It seemed perfectly clear to me. I also gather that people didn't like the ending, but I loved the ambiguity. We're feeling and seeing what Martha feels and sees and she doesn't know what's real (and nor do we- which is what works so well!).
Washington, DC Member
Not really sure how I feel about this film, but it held my attention. I think it will stay with me for a while. I guess that's a sign of a good film. It challenged me. It wasn't an easy film-- it took work to watch. I like that. In fact, the more I write about it, the more I liked the film!!
Washington, DC Member
I started out at a 7.5 of 10 and ended up at 9.5. It's a disturbing, but an important film, beautifully acted- especially by Elizabeth Olsen. Cinemtography and music near perfect. I haven't stopped thinking about it since it ended and I can't thank the Club enough for pushing the envelope on this one. Discussion after with Stephen was best ever at the Club.
Washington, DC Member
STL
56% - Oct 23, 2011
Awesome film. Vivid portrayal of PTSD resulting from a cult experience and the painful flashbacks that blur the grasp on reality.
St. Louis Member
A breath of fresh air. Not very often can you find a film that can take all aspects of film (acting, directing, cinematography and writing) and excel in all.
St. Louis Member
Marcy May was incredibly lonely not psychotic. I loved the film's openess to interpretation in this regard.
St. Louis Member
NH
48% - Oct 23, 2011
Walked the fine line between thriller and character study, propelled by the tour-de-force performances by Olsen and Paulson. Durken has a great cinematic eye, deftly using music, stark setting, stripped-down acting.
Greater New Haven Member
Gripping film, great acting! I respect the ending, but was a bit disappointed. I was dying to see what happened next! (which I think was the point). Loved both Elizabeth Olsen and John Hawkes -- mesmerizing!
Greater New Haven Member
Extremely effective at tension; almost maddening in withholding information and in controlling viewpoint. Very effective, unsettling, but also needlessly slow at times. Great lead actress. John Hawkes is always impressive.
Greater New Haven Member
MIL
73% - Oct 23, 2011
Excellent movie but I feel that the abrupt ending left me hanging. The acting was believable and well-done.
Milwaukee Member
Very well-acted and interesting though it lost me part of the way through the story.
Milwaukee Member
Very interesting but I understand why it would be disturbing to many people.
Milwaukee Member
BOS
51% - Oct 16, 2011
Excellent film--tense, interesting, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Boston Member
Excellent acting and cinematography, together with limited dialogue made for a great psychological thriller.
Boston Member
Great depiction of PTSD/trauma. Elizabeth Olson was great. Played the trauma very convincingly. Supporting cast was very good.
Boston Member
ATL
61% - Oct 23, 2011
Absolutely fascinating-- the editing was so fluid. The story unfolds in such a subtle way
Atlanta Member
Loved this film and I didn't want it to end. Haunting, disturbing and beautiful. Loved the camerawork. Suspense built by what was NOT within the frame.
Atlanta Member
Having personal experience with suffering individuals, it was a true depiction f the wanting to help and respect, yet anger and guilt that is also present.
