Martha Marcy May Marlene

USA 2011, 102 minutes
Dir. Sean Durkin
Rating: [R16]
Genres: Drama, Suspense/Crime / Independent, Girl-centric

Feat. Elizabeth Olsen, Sarah Paulson, Hugh Dancy, John Hawkes, Brady Corbet

Aroview: A damaged young woman struggles to re-assimilate with her sister after fleeing an abusive cult in this unnerving, suggestive psycho-drama from first-time dir. Sean Durkin.

Effectively inter-cutting two time frames, the director has a strong hold on performances and composition, and though the script doesn't always adequately support the plausibility of the action, the sister's strained relationship rings true. Aided by a brave and convincing lead performance by Elizabeth Olsen (sister to the famed Olsen twins!), this will well satisfy fans of the plaintive "American Indie".

NZ International Film Festival 2011