Last year, in my film review for the excellent Winter’s Bone, I described actor John Hawkes’ character as “gaunt and Charles Manson-like in appearance, (Hawkes’) presence on screen is ominous and terrifying.” Hawkes, a venerable character actor, won universal acclaim for his role in the indie hit and even scored an Oscar nomination for his powerful and haunting role. And in a clear example of “sticking with what works,” Hawkes is back this year in another praised indie film – Martha Marcy May Marlene – playing a character even more Charles Manson-like, in appearance and more significantly, behavior.
Though Hawkes’ appearance in these films is both menacing and enthralling, he takes a backseat in the narrative to an equally terrific performance by a young actress – (Jennifer Lawrence in Winter’s Bone and now Elizabeth Olsen). The younger sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley, Elizabeth Olsen makes her feature film debut with MMMM, unless you count a small role in her sisters’ 1994 TV movie How the West Was Fun.
Martha Marcy May Marlene tells the story of a damaged girl trying to get her old life back after escaping a dangerous cult.
The film focuses on Martha, a young woman who flees from an abusive cult (loosely based on the Manson Family) in the Catskill Mountains that is led by an enigmatic leader.
After escaping and calling her sister from a pay phone, Martha, who has been missing for two years, slowly begins to assimilate into her sister's family, but her increasing delusions and paranoia leads her to believe that the cult may still be watching her every move.
Watch the trailer for the film posted in the VIDEO box on the left side of the article.
In addition to Olsen and Hawkes, MMMM also stars Sarah Paulson, Hugh Dancy, and Brady Corbet. Hawkes' star power is rising and Olsen is destined for a great career as well, thanks to this film.The film is written and directed by Sean Durkin, also making his feature film debut.
The film’s title comes from various names the lead character becomes associated with over the course of the film, Martha (her real name), Martha May (the name given to her by Patrick, the cult leader), and Marlene (the name all girls in the cult answer the phone as).
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where Durkin was awarded Best Director and the film received rave reviews. And last month, MMMM was featured as the New Orleans Film Festival’s Closing Night Film and played to a sold out crowd at the Prytania Theatre.
In my NOFF Wrap-Up article, I declared Martha Marcy May Marlene my favorite film of the festival, along with Take Shelter. I called the film, “A haunting, unsettling film made in a very appropriate, low-key style and engulfed with a cloudy air of tension and uneasiness. Led by several outstanding performances (Elizabeth Olsen, John Hawkes, and Brady Corbet), the film is quiet, subtle, enthralling, and powerful.” I highly suggest that you check this film out. It is one of my favorites so far this year.
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Martha Marcy May Marlene opens theatrically this weekend at The Theatres at Canal Place – with several showtimes daily (2:00, 5:00, 7:45, and 10:30 pm).
My other festival favorite – Take Shelter – is also still playing at The Theatres. So check it out as well.
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For more info on The Theatres and additional movie/showtime info, visit their website.
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