Olivia Luder, senior screen reporter - 2012-02-13

Concerning a cult and classified as a “psychological thriller”, Martha Marcy May Marlene could be a very different film. However, rather than diving into clap-trap psychology or cheap thrills, what instead emerges is an intelligent portrait of a damaged young woman that intrigues and unsettles in equal measure.

Elizabeth Olsen plays the titular role of Martha Marcy May, whose name is as complicated as her psychological state. Coming from a difficult childhood, Martha has sought refuge in a community of people living on a farm whose simple life hides a disturbing lifestyle.

The film opens with Martha’s escape into the arms of her sister, Lucy (Sarah Paulson) from whom she has been estranged, and Lucy’s husband, Ted (Hugh Dancy). As she struggles to assimilate into their life, making social faux-pas after faux-pas, the true depth of her trauma at the hands of the farm-community is revealed. While it is recognisable as a cult-like group, it is important to note that it is never classed as such on-screen; this is not a film to draw clear distinctions.

Director Sean Durkin keeps much of the film extremely minimal with understated music cues and characters who frequently say more when silent. The film flits from Martha’s memories of the farm to her in the present day with the seamlessness of the transitions often leaving the audience guessing as to which they are viewing. Durkin refuses to let the audience forget that just as they relive the memories so too is Martha locked into the traumatic events of her past. The camera often slows the pace, failing to immediately follow actions or characters, as if to anticipate the moment in which Martha truly breaks down.

In spite of Martha’s fragility, Olsen does not make the mistake of playing her as a fragile character; though Martha is often silent, it is her surprising strength and intelligence that makes her most compelling. John Hawkes delivers an unnerving performance as Patrick, the believably-charismatic “cult” leader whose influence pervades Martha long after she has left him.

Ending enigmatically, Martha Marcy May Marlene is perhaps too unwilling to provide definitive answers. However, the intelligence of its acting and direction make it an effective thriller. Martha may begin the film by running away but it is clear by the end that it was merely a physical removal; the true thrill is not in whether she will re-join the cult, but rather in whether she will ever truly escape.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Rotten Tomatoes critics' average : 4.5 out of 5