A psychological drama that builds its labyrinth with a fairly organic performance by Elizabeth Olsen, but its narrative often remains in an overly calculated zone that, in its register of circularity, never takes risks. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 6/10 | Jun 10, 2024

Elizabeth Olsen stuns in her feature debut in a film that perfectly embodies PTSD. While the murder sequence doesn't fully work, the way Durkin shifts between timelines and the "before they were famous" cast makes this a must-see

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Jan 11, 2024

The acting is exceptional all around, as is the minimalist score.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Nov 30, 2020

John Hawkes is again creepy and compelling here as the iron-handed cult leader, and Elizabeth Olsen gives a breakout turn as the title character - a new recruit with eyes looking back to the outside world.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 25, 2020

In addition to Olsen's mesmerizing performance, John Hawkes turns in yet another award-worthy performance as the haunting and unforgettable Patrick.

| Original Score: 4.0/4.0 | Sep 16, 2020

A long, slow build, where the pressure and apprehension grows and increases steadily throughout, wrapping you in a tight squeezing grip.

| Original Score: B+ | Jul 11, 2020

Not for all tastes, but the haunting power of the unheralded Olsen's performance is undeniable.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 17, 2020

Some viewers will find this a frustrating experience, particularly come the ending. Overall, though, this is a well constructed picture by Sean Durkin and the acting led brilliantly by a new talent in Olsen.

| Feb 13, 2020

An impressive mood piece and promising debut for [Elizabeth] Olsen, Martha Marcy May Marlene unfortunately lacks the substance to go with its beguiling look and feel.

| Jan 17, 2020

The film's one device - cross-cutting very demonstratively between identically rhetorical moments in the commune and the lakeside house - is exceedingly literal and obvious.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Mar 15, 2019

This psychological thriller evidences a wisdom many veteran filmmakers never have.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jan 5, 2019

Never has the phrase 'creeping horror' been so apt.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Dec 13, 2018

Directed and written by first-time feature filmmaker Sean Durkin, Martha is relentless in its unsettled tone, simmering throughout at a feverish level.

| Original Score: A- | Jan 26, 2018

Despite its well-learned manoeuvres, Martha Marcy May Marlene remains solidly within the genre territory... ultimately having little to say about its charged subjects beyond the sum of its largely well-turned effects.

| Nov 8, 2017

Watching [Elizabeth Olsen] add layer after layer to Martha/Marcy May/Marlene is riveting.

Full Review | Aug 30, 2017

'Martha Marcy May Marlene' is the vehicle with which the youngest Olsen sister moves out of her famous older twin siblings' shadows, and establishes herself as the serious artist of the family. She's magnificent.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 3, 2016

Durkin's swaggeringly confident film utilizes long takes and tension within compositions to conjure an all-consuming sense of unease.

Full Review | May 3, 2015

In quiet, intimate ways, it is one of the most startling, haunting films you'll see all year.

| Mar 18, 2014

Durkin intersperses the present-day scenes with increasingly revelatory flashbacks from Martha's two years in the cult.

| Original Score: B | Mar 18, 2014

The beauty of Olsen's star-making performance is inarguable.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 18, 2014