I finally got out to the movies tonight and have been highly anticipating Martha Marcy May Marlene. The film stars Elizabeth Olsen as a girl who escapes a corrupt cult, constantly in a battle with herself to get back to normal life as she is endlessly tormented from the memories. Martha Marcy May Marlene is a beautiful and haunting film. It wasn't what I expected going into it, I thought the film was going to take a "Black Swan" type breakdown with Martha's character at some point but the film remains very subtle and with that it is very effective. The film seamlessly transitions from past to present, interlacing them to transcend the disorientation of Martha's character to the audience. One thing this film is extremely effective at is creating a sense of paranoia, even after the film is over I felt tense. Elizabeth Olsen gives a great performance, she plays the role perfectly and the supporting cast is spot on as well. This film won't be for everyone but if the trailer interests you, I think you'll really enjoy it.

Kev,

Good call posting a thread for this indie film.
I was drawn in by the good reviews and intriguing trailer.
And I wasn't disappointed.

The sense of dread permeates the naturally under lit scenes.
The transitions between present and past are hardwired into the protag's plight.
She can't quite break free from the drug induced loyalty the cult instilled in her.

Everything is handled with an understated narrative that genuinely intrigued me.
I recommend the film to anyone that enjoys absorbing character studies.

E.D.

Easily one of the best movies of the year. This is the first time I've seen Olsen performing but suspect it will not be the last time I'm impressed by her depth. She'll surely garner a nom for this subtle but immensely powerful performance. MMMM is such a carefully shot film - it requires more than a solitary viewing to fully absorb its intricacies. It's one of those movies that hits you in the gut. I cannot stop thinking about it but find it difficult to verbalise the emotions it's generated in me.

No doubt its ending will be unpalatable to some, but for me it crystalised the sense of dread, paranoia and foreboding that anchored her reemergence into the world - she's carrying this baggage forever and will forever be 'looking over her shoulder'.

Finally got round to viewing this last night.

And I wasn't disappointed.

This is hands down one of the best directed films I have had the pleasure of viewing all year. The cuts between the present and the past were brilliant and the cinematography was nothing short of spectacular. It managed to expertly heighten the impending sense of doom, whilst being beautiful at the same time. Did anyone else notice how rich the picture was? I mean, I know it was shot on film as opposed to digitally, but still, this was something else. I thought Elizabeth Olsen was superb in this as well. I have read how some people really didn't like the ending, but I personally thought that it was the perfect was the conclude the film. And that final shot, which lingered on Martha? Breathtaking.

I've got the Blu Ray waiting to play, but Mud is up first then I have my Fantasy Football draft tonight.

So...my review will follow tomorrow or Tuesday.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts, Jeff. There's even a bit of nudity in it, so even if the film's not your cup of tea, there's at least that to fall back on :P

Have you watched You're Next, yet? Saw that the other day, and thought it would be right up your street.

Haven't seen "You're Next" yet, but hope to this coming week.  I like going to work week early matinee showings.  I've heard good things about it...which worry me!   ;D ;D ;D

Watched this last night.  I don't have many good things to say.

I kept hoping it would pick up, but for me, it never did.  Very slow, very meandering back and forth between the present and the past.  Just not enough happening to keep my interest.

I think the performances were great.  Elizabeth Olsen did a great job in a very tough and unforgiving role.  For me, the actual standout was John Hawkes, as Patrick, delivering a quietly super creepy Chalres manson-like performance.  When this guy gets a chance to act, he enver disappoints.

I just was continualy hoping for more, but this script purposely wantwed to deliver less - in a less can be more type scenario.  Apparently, it worked for many, but not for me, because of this.

The ending also left me feeling cheated, as again, I was waiting for something to happen and just as it possibly is about to, we cut to black.

The film was effective in the way it wanted to be and that's great in itself.  But as entertainment, it was lacking, because it was just too slow, dull, and plodding.

A for effort, but C for execution.