Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) Review in 2025
Martha Marcy May Marlene is a psychological thriller about a young woman who escapes from a cult and tries to rebuild her life, but her past continues to haunt her.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to mature themes and disturbing content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of psychological thrillers and drama. It's a slow-burning film that requires patience and attention, but the payoff is well worth it.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Martha, who escapes from the cult led by Edward, and tries to reconnect with her sister Lucy. However, Martha's experiences in the cult have left her with severe psychological trauma, and she struggles to cope with her past. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Martha's memories of her time in the cult are not what they seem, and she begins to question her own identity.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, but it's also slow-paced and meandering at times. The plot twists are well-executed, but they're not entirely surprising.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, particularly from Elizabeth Olsen, who delivers a raw and emotional performance as Martha. The supporting cast is also impressive, with standout performances from Sarah Paulson and John Hawkes.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, particularly Martha, who is portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen in a standout performance. The supporting cast is also impressive, especially Sarah Paulson as Lucy.
direction8.50/10
Sean Durkin's direction is excellent, capturing the mood and atmosphere of the film perfectly. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with a muted color palette that adds to the overall sense of unease.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a focus on natural lighting and a muted color palette. The camera work is also noteworthy, with a mix of close-ups and wide shots that add to the overall tension.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's slow-burning tension, thought-provoking themes, and standout performances make it a compelling watch.
Cons
The pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the themes and content disturbing.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a cult, I'm a community."
"You're not a part of this, you're a part of me."
"You're not a victim, you're a survivor."
