One of this year’s most talked about films at Sundance was Martha Marcy May Marlene, a dramatic thriller about a damaged woman plagued by painful memories and increasing paranoia as she struggles to re-assimilate with her family after fleeing an abusive cult. From all accounts, director Sean Durkin has done a masterful job at capturing an unnerving and disturbing atmosphere, but what’s really got people buzzing is what critics are calling a “star-making performance” by its lead, newcomer Elizabeth Olsen. Up to now, Elizabeth’s talent has been overshadowed by her billionaire older sisters, Mary Kate and Ashley, but if the Sundance and Cannes reaction to Martha Marcy May Marlene is any indication, that’s all about to change.
The film co-stars Sarah Paulson, Hugh Dancy and the amazingness that is John Hawkes (John’s performance in last year’s Oscar-nominated ‘Winter’s Bone’ has literally exploded his career, and if you haven’t seen it yet you can watch the trailer by CLICKING HERE to get a sense of what to expect). Martha Marcy May Marlene is set for a North American release on October 21st.
SEE ALSO: “Martha Marcy May Marlene” Is A Horrifying Look At The Life Of A Brainswashed Cult Escapee