Film Review: Martha Marcy May Marlene

When I first heard the title of this film I thought I'll never get it right, but once I heard the reasoning for the names and saw them within the context of the film, it became quite memorable.  This film is also very memorable and the subject matter resonates.

Despite dragging in parts, I found the film interesting.  The characters are all rich and provide insight without explanation.  Martha (who is also Marcy May and Marlene) is an escapee from a cult who has to not only adapt to society, but also struggle with the memories of what she thought was a loving, giving environment, while trying to deal with the shaky relationship she has with her estranged sister and brother-in-law.

What's interesting about this film is that neither world seems to work for Martha.  Her real family is distant, strict and not compassionate enough for her needs.  Her sister wasn't around much when Martha was a child, so it's easy to see why Martha doesn't feel any love for her.  However, despite the fact that the cult life puzzled her at times, she accepted what she was led to believe was love.  If the leader, Patrick, did something that would be considered alarming in the real world, Martha (called Marcy May by the cultists) is told that it's all about existing and being and loving.

At times I wondered why she left the cult.  I could see what was wrong with her life in the cult, but her acceptance of the lifestyle made it seem idyllic vs her sister's world.  I knew at some point something had to happen that led to her running away, and we are soon shown what it is.  And soon both world seem to merge, and Martha has trouble separating reality from memory.

Or is it reality?

Elizabeth Olsen has proven herself a worthy actress who has managed to rise above the label of "the younger sister of the Olsen Twins".  She does a great job of evoking emotion by not saying a word.

John Hawkes is great as Patrick.  I liked him in Winter's Bone.  The rest of the cast is terrific.

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