Movie Review: MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (A wanna-be pyschological thriller)

Movie Review: Martha Marcy May Marlene, starring Elizabeth Olsen

Release Date: Friday, October 21, 2011 (Limited Release from Fox Searchlight)

Rated: R

Run Time: 101 minutes

Grade ★★★★★

“Do you ever have that feeling where you can’t tell if something’s a memory or if it’s something you dreamed?” ~ Martha

Movie Review: MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (A wanna-be pyschological thriller) 1

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Olsen as Martha (Marcy May and Marlene)

Being pegged as a taut psychological thriller, Martha Marcy May Marlene does have moments of suspense and psychological intrigue but I won’t go so far as to say it’s a thriller. It is dramatic, for certain, but I definitely was not sitting on pins and needles throughout the film, which to me is a hallmark of a good thriller. I will say Elizabeth (Lizzie) Olsen’s performance is truly outstanding considering her lack of experience in any mainstream films. Her performance execution separates her so far from her famous sisters, twins Mary-Kate and Ashley; it’s surprising they are in the same family. It’s no secret the famous twins didn’t provide award winning performances in their barrage of tween films before branching out and focusing on their fashion brand but little sister Lizzie stands in the spotlight with her captivating performance as Martha (aka Marcy May; aka Marlene).

Martha has been off-the-grid for over two years, leaving her older estranged sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) worried and guilt ridden. Finally, Martha calls Lucy but the sisters’ reunion becomes bittersweet as Martha’s slow descent into paranoia makes her question what’s real and what isn’t.

Movie Review: MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (A wanna-be pyschological thriller) 2

Martha (Lizzie Olsen) and Lucy (Sarah Paulson)

Martha spends time living with her sister Lucy and her husband Ted (Hugh Dancy). At first, Martha sleeps a lot and exhibits some peculiar behavior. One evening, after having a bad dream, Martha does something quite unusual, at least in what is considered the normal perspective, but it must have been normal where she just came from. Needless to say, this is one of the scenes where my jaw drops. Martha continues to behave strangely and the story flashes back to her time on the farm and the unique way of life Patrick (John Hawkes) constructed for his ‘family.’ What puzzles me is how Martha became so brain washed in such a short amount of time? She was obviously over 18 when she left so she knew basic social skills, but in just two short years she manages to forget her sense of propriety and manners.

At times I find the whole idea of Martha being so confused a bit incredulous; yet at times I truly believe Martha has been traumatized. She is introduced into this ‘family’ by way of a friend named Zoe (Louisa Krause), but of course they don’t tell Martha right away about how she truly becomes a part of the family. Instead she awakens surprised and astonished as she is sexually assaulted.

Movie Review: MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (A wanna-be pyschological thriller) 3

Patrick (John Hawkes) as he sings Marcy May's song

Martha Marcy May Marlene gradually progresses through a series of present day scenes and flashbacks. There are many things I love about this movie aside from Olsen’s acting; for one – John Hawkes’ performance as Patrick. Patrick is the leader of a strange family, which many call it a cult, but it’s something more than that. Think religious sect (without the religion) meets delusional hippie type followers. Hawkes’ performance is eerily haunting yet slightly alluring. You want to hate him but simultaneously you are drawn to him. His subtle charm and soft spoken voice lure you in but don’t be fooled; he’s got more than his burgeoning arousal underneath the surface.

Movie Review: MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (A wanna-be pyschological thriller) 4

Patrick (John Hawkes) teaches Marcy May (Lizzie Olsen) to shoot

Throughout the film there are moments where I’m hanging on the edge waiting to find out what happens only to be casually taken down another trail that makes little or no sense until very later. I felt disjointed as I watched; it was exasperating. I’m sure many critics will disagree with my point of view but in all honesty, as a lover of film from quirky to obscenely crude; I wanted to like this film so very much. Olsen gives a refreshing and genuine performance which will surely cinch her nominations for major awards this season. However, the only real issue I have with Martha Marcy May Marlene is how the final product came together during editing. The story is there; the acting is there; actually, everything is there except something seems to be missing. Possibly in the middle or even at the end – maybe if there were more regarding her past before going to the farm or what happens after her mother’s death. Once you arrive at the sudden and abrupt end, you’ll begin to understand what the complete story is trying to convey a little better but in my opinion, the execution and editing falls short. As disjointed as it is, perhaps that one missing piece of the puzzle would have been enough to make Martha Marcy May Marlene feel more smoothly connected rather than plunked down with corners sticking up in varied places. I think the overall film had great potential but wasn’t fully realized until after they released it.

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.