Martha Marcy May Marlene
Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: October 21, 2011
7.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 137 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
96
Mixed:
31
Negative:
10
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9
MarcDoyleOct 22, 2011
I'm giving this film a slightly higher score than I think it deserves simply for the intense, disturbing feeling it left me with. The film's structure - which tells a tale in sort of a double-helix structure, alternating between a girl's timeI'm giving this film a slightly higher score than I think it deserves simply for the intense, disturbing feeling it left me with. The film's structure - which tells a tale in sort of a double-helix structure, alternating between a girl's time in a Utopian cult and her time with her sister and the sister's new husband after fleeing from the cult - is effectively spun. It doesn't knock you over the head with it's bluntness. It becomes more and more stressful as you see more of both stories. John Hawkes and Sarah Paulson are uniformly terrific as the dominant supporting characters on opposite sides of the film's divide. And Elizabeth Olsen is clearly a rising star, though I don't think she's as effective in this role as someone like Jennifer Lawrence is in Winter's Bone - a film that I think will be compared to this one by many. The ending of the film will certainly have you talking with whomever you go to the movie with - so go with somebody "with it." Now that I've dwelt on it a bit more, a think a 9 is appropriate. See it.… Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
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10
DrBlahBlahMay 2, 2017
A brilliant psychological thriller about trauma, MMMM explores the mentality of a cult and its followers with admirable restraint and nuance. Very undervalued.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
LynDec 23, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An interesting exploration of PTSD, and well-acted by all. But the frustration of a couple of characters who don't do what you really, really want them to do culminates in an abrupt, unsatisfying ending.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
nutterjrOct 18, 2012
Elisabeth is the true star of the Olsen sisterhood. She shines so bright with her assured performance of a damaged soul, wrecked by a horrific cult leader who is played by an equally amazing Hawkes. A harrowing story, masterfully directedElisabeth is the true star of the Olsen sisterhood. She shines so bright with her assured performance of a damaged soul, wrecked by a horrific cult leader who is played by an equally amazing Hawkes. A harrowing story, masterfully directed is not an easy watch which might haunt you the same way Martha is haunted in the film by her ordeals.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Andys_ReviewsJan 6, 2013
It
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7
Hawkeye_LoriNov 2, 2011
Like another reviewer, I also left this film feeling very disturbed and sure I would have nightmares (didn't), so any film that can produce that kind of emotional reaction gets a thumbs up from me. It was not a perfect film, but overallLike another reviewer, I also left this film feeling very disturbed and sure I would have nightmares (didn't), so any film that can produce that kind of emotional reaction gets a thumbs up from me. It was not a perfect film, but overall really well done. I enjoyed the split time-line way of telling the story, always trying to guess what time period I was watching. Thought Elizabeth Olsen was very effective, but once again agree that Jennifer Lawrence would have been better cast (MarcDoyle we ought to compare notes on film). So it's worth the time and $, go.… Expand
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9
NKOASNov 17, 2012
Often times, when we go to the movies and see a great film, we lay back in our seats and go
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
wiggipopNov 29, 2012
I appreciated this film immensely. Very well acted, especially Elizabeth Olsen who is a breath of fresh air, with an intriguing and mysterious plot, where empty space and what was unsaid were just as important as dialogue. Olsen's characterI appreciated this film immensely. Very well acted, especially Elizabeth Olsen who is a breath of fresh air, with an intriguing and mysterious plot, where empty space and what was unsaid were just as important as dialogue. Olsen's character was a delight to watch, so unstable as to explode at any moment, and John Hawkes was excellent as always as the unhinged cult leader, a terrifying force. In the end what I appreciated the most was being able to interpret the vagaries of the story myself, without threads being wrapped up neatly; makes for a much more unsettling experience. Great stuff.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
LeadBoxDec 16, 2011
I think most people will probably understand this movie logically, but it's vital to understand it deeply, because it talks about how bad she wants a different point of view over life. She wants something more than what it's shown for mostI think most people will probably understand this movie logically, but it's vital to understand it deeply, because it talks about how bad she wants a different point of view over life. She wants something more than what it's shown for most people, so she searches for this alternative group of people to develop herself, but her error is in pushing the situation to its extreme, because clearly (in my opinion) they're radical beings who try to attract people that have different analysis about the world. However, they're intentionally bad, because obviously they like to create a law on their own, and by that they try to take advantage of people. They're messed up, they left their disorders get the best of them, and it turns out that what they're actually doing is nothing more than screwing up with themselves. /Martha is someone neurotic, but she's a good person, and she does not realize that those creatures are trying to manipulate her, to change her for the sake of their welfare. She doesn't need that kind of environment, she needs to focus in the right way, and by that would be pursuing her philosophy and growing it into a healthy life, where soul matters, where you achieve a true connection with your higher self. And of course neither living the normal life supported by the thesis you have to build a career like everybody else nor living in a place made by people who try to live freely with abusive ways towards human condition and that eventually corrupts.
/Sure, for most people who watched, the movie will mean that her sister and her sisterâ… Expand
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10
cabritaOct 20, 2012
Martha Marcy May Marlene is one of the best films of 2011. The film has great performances powerful imagery and an outstanding ending. Many have called it ambiguous, but I believe further examination shows otherwise.
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7
j30Apr 29, 2012
Draw yourself a warm bath because you're going to need one after the heartbreaking Matha Marcy May Marlene. Incredible performance by Elizabeth Olsen who I think got snubbed from the Oscars.
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9
BelmsherJan 20, 2012
Althought not as good as Black Swan, MMMM is certainly the best psychological thriller of 2011. Olsen is an absolute surprise. Had to see this twice. It's very slow-paced but, if you commit , very fragile, intense and disturbing as well. WhatAlthought not as good as Black Swan, MMMM is certainly the best psychological thriller of 2011. Olsen is an absolute surprise. Had to see this twice. It's very slow-paced but, if you commit , very fragile, intense and disturbing as well. What I appreciated the most was that lots of issues were not explicitly settled but you can decode them, you can see where they are. Those subtleties made the movie. Just wondered why the trailer has some scenes which don't appear in the official version.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
iamclackyFeb 5, 2012
Amazing film - very sinister and reminiscent of Funny Games where the nothing is allowed to fill the eerie silence. Elisabeth Olsen's performance was truly superb and deserves the plaudits, awards and nominations she's receiving at the momentAmazing film - very sinister and reminiscent of Funny Games where the nothing is allowed to fill the eerie silence. Elisabeth Olsen's performance was truly superb and deserves the plaudits, awards and nominations she's receiving at the moment - one to watch for the future. The suspense and tension throughout the film made you wish to be put out of your misery (in a very good way). Expecting big things from director Sean Dirking in the very near future...bravo… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
drchocNov 6, 2011
The film is at once disorienting and intriguing, about a girl's personality disintegration from a cult background to a blur with reality, and everything in between. The flashbacks serve to underscore how reality changes perceptibly with theThe film is at once disorienting and intriguing, about a girl's personality disintegration from a cult background to a blur with reality, and everything in between. The flashbacks serve to underscore how reality changes perceptibly with the past, with a very surprising, unexpected ending that seems puzzling at first but when put in perspective is a brilliant culmination to this excellent film. The clue to the entire movie is in the title, and requires thinking away from the normal. I recommend this film with only minimal reservation. Superb acting and a chilling plot make for great entertainment for the thinking individual.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
todayorApr 24, 2012
Kind of an exquisite film, a movie about a cult that explores the darker psychological aspects of brain-washing that are so integral to "cult life." All of the actors give fantastic and wide-ranging performances, from Martha/MarcyKind of an exquisite film, a movie about a cult that explores the darker psychological aspects of brain-washing that are so integral to "cult life." All of the actors give fantastic and wide-ranging performances, from Martha/Marcy May/Marlene, to her yuppie sister and her delightfully square husband. The film is beautifully shot, utilizing cuts in subtle and effective fashion, seamlessly weaving from past to present in an interesting and exciting way. It is a quiet movie in the literal sense, the score is never assaulting, and not much really happens, but it is mesmerizing in its silence. Some may say it is a little on the boring side, which may be true, but if you just sit back and allow this film to work on you, and not the other way around, you will be truly amazed at what you find.… Expand
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9
eugene_skalaOct 28, 2011
This movie is remarkable for it's ability to describe the garden variety psychological flashback that survivors of psychological trauma experience. The main character Martha can't always tell the past from the present, and to free herselfThis movie is remarkable for it's ability to describe the garden variety psychological flashback that survivors of psychological trauma experience. The main character Martha can't always tell the past from the present, and to free herself from the disturbing confusion, usually responds to present situations with the kind of inappropriate behavior that she learned and was encouraged to use while she belonged to a cult. The cult is creepy, no argument there, but the eerie tone of the movie comes from our own our vicariously experiencing Martha's flashbacks. The movie's ability to throw us into Martha's confused and disturbed mind, it's startlingly original, but for someone not willing to take the bait, it's just another psychological terror flick, but a really good one at that!… Expand
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8
cheesepoof420Nov 9, 2011
Well told story of a troubled girl to say the least. The movies disturbing narrative exceeds making hairs stand up on you neck, it painfully pricks them leaving you with no choice but to continue watching, yes that's a good thing. WatchingWell told story of a troubled girl to say the least. The movies disturbing narrative exceeds making hairs stand up on you neck, it painfully pricks them leaving you with no choice but to continue watching, yes that's a good thing. Watching "MMMM" re-develop her relationship with her sister, (or should I stay corrupt further) was more intense to watch than the cult like farm life. The movie has good cinematography and Olsens performance is better than the older sisters life work combined. I hope the academy recognizes her performance.… Expand
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8
aozetaDec 27, 2011
I never expected this film to glue me to the screen. Mention-worthy performance from Elizabeth Olsen. The cast played their parts well. The screenplay was admirable. And, the ending will make you think the film has gone broken and you missedI never expected this film to glue me to the screen. Mention-worthy performance from Elizabeth Olsen. The cast played their parts well. The screenplay was admirable. And, the ending will make you think the film has gone broken and you missed the remaining minutes of the movie. No ending as this was a cliff-hanger this year in the movies. movienotesbook.blogspot.com… Expand
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9
brettjm18Nov 25, 2011
There is a quiet dread that lurks over every scene in Sean Durkin's masterful feature debut, Martha Marcy May Marlene. The movie tells a story of a young woman, Martha, who flee's an abusive cult and stays with her sister. While safe with herThere is a quiet dread that lurks over every scene in Sean Durkin's masterful feature debut, Martha Marcy May Marlene. The movie tells a story of a young woman, Martha, who flee's an abusive cult and stays with her sister. While safe with her family, Martha's growing paranoia takes over as the film shifts effortlessly between reality, dream, and memory. We see what Martha sees. The film features a breakout performance from Elizabeth Olsen who is magnetic in the title role. She delivers the breakout performance of the year and I hope that it takes her as far as last years Jennifer Lawrence and she is awarded with an Oscar nomination. There has been a lot of talk revolving around the ambiguity of the movie. There are no answers for some of what we see on screen but I gather that that is the point. The movie is told from Martha's perspective. We are left to wonder, just like her, how much of what is going on is real or in her mind. Martha Marcy May Marlene is a glorious feature with strong performances, beautiful cinematography and editing, and an ending that will leave many frustrated by its ambiguity but also reward everyone with conversation after it is done. One of the best films of the year.… Expand
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8
DiegoSanRoblesDec 15, 2011
The Sundance Rural Thriller, not one of my favorite genres, has been kind of on the rise as of late, and Martha Martha Martha Martha . might be one of the better of the lot. All the talk around the film is around the praiseworthy debut of theThe Sundance Rural Thriller, not one of my favorite genres, has been kind of on the rise as of late, and Martha Martha Martha Martha . might be one of the better of the lot. All the talk around the film is around the praiseworthy debut of the other Olsen sister, and that showering of attention is justified. Whatâ… Expand
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7
TTW107Apr 8, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed the weaving of the past, present and the almost dreamlike state of Martha. The performances were on point but I left the movie with too many unanswered questions. Purposefully made this way to be discussed afterwards I'mI thoroughly enjoyed the weaving of the past, present and the almost dreamlike state of Martha. The performances were on point but I left the movie with too many unanswered questions. Purposefully made this way to be discussed afterwards I'm sure but I didn't really know what to make of it. For some movies that certainly works but I just needed some more of the story, it was left unfinished in too many areas.… Expand
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7
beingryanjudeSep 1, 2014
Dark and fascinating, Martha Marcy May Marlene is not your everyday cult film. Elizabeth Olsen gives us a performance to really sink our teeth into and continue talking about for weeks.
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9
ILHMFeb 1, 2013
Martha is picked up at the bus stop scared, confused, and alone. As she attempts to settle in to a normal life with her sister, she is haunted by horrible images from the past, where she had become part of a hippie commune led by theMartha is picked up at the bus stop scared, confused, and alone. As she attempts to settle in to a normal life with her sister, she is haunted by horrible images from the past, where she had become part of a hippie commune led by the persuasive and charismatic Patrick. Martha's nightmares, fear, and paranoia continue to build until she is unable to separate her dreams from reality. First-time director Sean Durkin has struck immediate success with MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, the award-winning cult drama from 2011. Durkin delicately interlaces the past and the present as he retells Martha's chilling experiences using an organic story structure. It is terrifying to think just how easily an impressionable mind could be manipulated and controlled in such a way, but Durkin takes all of the right steps in disarming the audience in the same way that Patrick has disarmed his followers, perfectly illustrating the power of coercion and the psychological lures that draw people in to such a group. Elizabeth Olsen is phenomenal as Martha, and commits herself mind, body, and soul. There are moments where Martha makes contact with the viewer and causes them to turn away in shame for intruding into her thoughts and emotions. John Hawkes is deadly as Patrick, coming on with a subtle charm that effectively seduces the other characters under his spell before corrupting their minds. MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE will not be easily forgotten, and is a top-contender for Best in 2011.

-Carl Manes
I Like Horror Movies… Expand
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9
JTKelleyAug 10, 2012
Elizabeth Olsen is a revelation here as the taut script and direction move seamlessly between past and present, creating an odd, haunting atmosphere that is only reinforced by the finale.
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7
dodgingbulletSep 26, 2012
A film that start´s really slow and then abruptly ends, the performances are excellent, the script adds dept but the direction is somewhat weak... mixed reactions about this one.
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10
LaGuertaFeb 25, 2013
A year has past since I first watched this film and with the exception of one or two, not a film has come close. Second to none storytelling and a powerful yet unpretentious performance by Olsen. Outrageously overlooked.
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8
BrianMcCriticAug 4, 2013
You feel real tension as you see this young woman try to become a member of society while still dealing withwhat's right and what's wrong. Elizabeth Olsen makes you really feel that sense of the unknown and I thought the finale works well.You feel real tension as you see this young woman try to become a member of society while still dealing withwhat's right and what's wrong. Elizabeth Olsen makes you really feel that sense of the unknown and I thought the finale works well. We don't always need to know the answer. A-… Expand
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7
RobertBroganOct 3, 2015
Martha Marcy May Marlene starts better than it ends. Elizabeth Olson plays a sympathetic lead in an intense role. One expects there to be some kind of character development, some payoff for the emotional investment in the main character thatMartha Marcy May Marlene starts better than it ends. Elizabeth Olson plays a sympathetic lead in an intense role. One expects there to be some kind of character development, some payoff for the emotional investment in the main character that the film builds up. Unfortunately, plotwise, the film devolves into a vehicle for cheap thrills and goes nowhere. One wishes it would have been more, but for what it is, it is still worth a view. Recommended to those interested in social dynamics and what life is like for people caught up in cults.… Expand
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7
amheretojudgeSep 17, 2018
its harrowing psychoanalysis is enough to leave you bewildered in its mayhem..

Martha Marcy May Marlene Martha Marcy May Marlene is a character driven drama about a girl who contacts her sister after disappearing for two years, as she findsits harrowing psychoanalysis is enough to leave you bewildered in its mayhem..

Martha Marcy May Marlene

Martha Marcy May Marlene is a character driven drama about a girl who contacts her sister after disappearing for two years, as she finds herself at the bottom of the pit. It is utterly pleasing and soothing to encounter such a calm and layered tale told with such panache that it doesn't seem fictitious at all. The metaphorical satire soars through entire feature with maker sitting back and enjoying on eschewing its mythological characters. The uncertainty keeps the crisp alive on the air among the characters where it doesn't need any appalling creatures, to give you goosebumps; its harrowing psychoanalysis is enough to leave you bewildered in its mayhem. The background score may as well be non-existent, but has mesmerizing cinematography, stunning camera work and fine editing in its pros section. Olsen's performance is plausible where she takes you to newer territories if not always with conviction, but it still is palpable to its eerie bubble. Paulson is a strong supporter but Hawkes with his stand out moments, steals the limelight. The narrative is strong, gripping, layered and adaptive that emits non-pretentious policies comparing the pros and cons of current social life. Swooping up all the angles and perspective of the characters; depicted through parallel screenwriting, it offers a much smarter and mature concept to the audience which is explored to the core. The transparency of the structure as it weaves the sequence in front of the audience, the potential to speak volume without uttering a word on screen and the metaphorical cinematography that acts like a mirror to the characters are the high points of the feature. Despite of split into two different territories, Martha Marcy May Marlene glides through the roof with its ideology that communicates clearly since there are no other notorious business; Durkin is here to tell a story.… Expand
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 25, 2021
This is really quite a dark and murky film - its sombre and unsettling. There are many flashbacks shown, which give you an idea as to what happened to Martha while she was a member of the cult. There are plenty of things which aren'tThis is really quite a dark and murky film - its sombre and unsettling. There are many flashbacks shown, which give you an idea as to what happened to Martha while she was a member of the cult. There are plenty of things which aren't clarified, so as a viewer we have to come to our own conclusions about certain things. Its both dark in terms of tone and also lighting wise at times. There's a juxtaposition present, with scenes showing Martha in the present day, with reaquainted parents and friends, trying to act normal again, while we know there were some dark things she had to escape from, trauma she's forced to keep. I found it quite frustrating watching the parents struggle to deal with their daughters new personality. Its a sobering watch, a well made film that I'd recommend, if your ok with it being a grim film.… Expand
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7
kyreneburnOct 2, 2021
SA trigger warning, just in case anyone needs it. Great PTSD portrayal, but just such a terrible ending in my opinion. I don't like endings that make you guess what happens. Sometimes I do, but this was absolutely not one of them.
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