Martha Marcy May Marlene

Martha Marcy May Marlene

By Sean Durkin

  • Genre: Drama
  • Release Date: 2011-10-21
  • Advisory Rating: R
  • Runtime: 1h 41min
  • Director: Sean Durkin
  • Production Company: Cunningham & Maybach Films
  • Production Country: United States of America
  • iTunes Price: USD 17.99
  • iTunes Rent Price: USD 3.99
6.622/10
6.622
From 706 Ratings

Description

In her stunning feature film debut, Elizabeth Olsen delivers an electrifying, star-is-born performance in this gripping psychological thriller that is far and away one of the year’s best! After escaping from a dangerous cult and the watchful eye of its charismatic leader (Academy Award® Nominee John Hawkes), a young woman named Martha (Olsen) tries to reclaim a normal life with her family. But the haunting memories from Martha’s past trigger a chilling paranoia — and nowhere seems safe as the fragile line between her reality and delusions begin to blur.

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Reviews

  • Well-Acted and Suspenseful

    5
    By RobMSF
    I can’t believe anyone could say this is boring. Well, I guess it’s not action and adventure.
  • Tells the Story It’s Telling Perfectly

    5
    By Your Standard Customer
    Which life is wrong? Which is right? A woman comes to understand that both of her lives, in conflict with each other, are neither. She runs away from one and finds herself with another where she does not feel like she belongs. The story is clear, but told in the confused mind of the protagonist.
  • Flawless

    5
    By JMDavidson
    One of maybe five movies I've ever seen that I would describe as flawless. And even if you hate it, I'll understand why. This movie was made for some of us, but not all of us. If it's not for you, your movie is out there. For me, this is it.
  • Terrible waste of time.

    1
    By Grossout0138
    I watched this movie because I wanted to see Olsen's performance, unfortunately it was two hours and money I will never get back and it left me with a bitter taste of an ending. I was furious I sat through the whole thing.
  • Delicate/Thoughtful/Sharp

    5
    By kat_with_a_book
    The story is delicately constructed, without the concrete substance of time to put the pieces of the plot together from the get-go. The backdrop of the movie seems out of time as well, the same way that Gone Girl was almost digital-free. The ebb and flow of concrete time allows moments for the characters to deal with mental illness and some of the effects it can have on a family. The question of how responsible family is to care for family is also brought forward in this way, as the main character’s sister and her husband deal with infertility and their respective struggle with personal values. The film earns the choices it makes in broad strokes, and is a pleasure to see. Recommended for a quiet night when you’re not in the country.
  • Plays with your mind!

    5
    By Yisdaris
    I absolutely love this movie!! Elizabeth Olsen gives an amazing performance! It makes you question if this is reality or paranoia. I'd say definitely worth watching!
  • Horrible

    1
    By dotsynaomi
    Horrible film, with no resolution of despicable acts and the lead character’s resulting mental confusion. The shifting back and forth of present and past is confusing at times. Don’t waste even the rental fee on this. What a poor choice for an acting debut for Olsen. The entire thing is depraved, depressing, dark, and awful.
  • Very touching

    4
    By Albagli
    Great acting, great script, and an ending I won't spoil. JUST WATCH IT!
  • Nice showcase for a pretty actress but . . .

    1
    By Petite Fantome
    The story? What story? Critics loved it. We hated it. End of story.
  • Don't be put off by the negative comments!

    5
    By KASIA***
    Sure, this film does take a while to get into. But if you're even considering watching this movie, I implore you- go ahead. Elizabeth Olsen is the best actor of the trio sisters and this performance should prove it to anyone that she's a great actress. If you do some research on the movie you will find that the filmmaker did not want to over-exaggerate or dramatize cult life but instead show how and why it can happen to anyone. Elizabeth's character is not more lost than anyone else in their teens, she's smart yet everyone can be susceptible to a persuasive personality. But what I liked the most besides the empathy one feels towards the character- this situation can truly happen to anyone- is the blurring lines between reality and imagination. This constantly keeps the audience on its toes and makes us question everything; this layer of mystery ensures no-one can get bored like some of the other reviews say.

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