On CLIPS In November, 2011
MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

A young woman (Elizabeth Olsen) struggles with family after escaping an abusive cult.

TRIVIA: Elizabeth Olsen made her TV movie debut in which 1994 feature starring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
       (3 CAMS)        RATED R

After escaping from an abusive cult led by the charismatic Patrick (John Hawkes), painful memories and paranoia hinder Martha's (Elizabeth Olsen) attempt to live with her sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law Ted (Hugh Dancy). "Martha Marcy May Marlene" is an interesting film that finds its strength in Elizabeth Olsen's captivating performance. Writer/director Sean Durkin's feature debut is a dark character study that paints an unsettling picture of a life in turmoil. Weaving back and forth between past and present, Durkin seldom takes the camera off his star. Ms. Olsen, younger sister of the Olsen Twins, does a magnificent job of portraying a tortured soul trying to maintain a family relationship while fighting a sense of doom lurking in her future. The supporting cast is fine, especially Hawkes as a frightening Manson-type leader. While an impressive debut, this movie is not without faults. It is difficult at times to distinguish the present from the past. Also, this is another in a growing list of recent films that leaves the ending open to interpretation. Images of Martha will linger long after leaving the theater. Thanks to Elizabeth Olsen, "Martha Marcy May Marlene" may just develop a cult following.