Psychodrama, winner of the Directing Award (Dramatic) for first time writer/director Sean Durkin at Sundance 2011, stars Elizabeth Olsen (sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley) as a fragile young woman who escapes from a creepy, Manson-like cult and their charismatic leader (John Hawkes).
She takes refuge at the Connecticut home of her estranged, uptight sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson). When her memories trigger a chilling paranoia, Martha starts to believe that the cult is pursuing her, and the line between reality and delusion blur.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a nervous condition suffered by shell-shocked soldiers and sex-crime victims, among others, and it’s marbled through writer/director Sean Durkin’s traumatic, disordered debut. Even the title denotes the slipping identity of its heroine, poor Martha (Olsen), who flees John Hawkes’ creepy cult to reunite with her sister (Paulson) and her hubbie (Dancy) at their lakehouse retreat.
Though she’s safe at last, it’s this anodyne aftermath that allows Martha’s memories of indoctrination and betrayal to bubble to the surface. A shot of naked swimmers shifting in and out of focus through the black waters of a river provides a striking analogy for the way her past and present constantly intermingle.
With no score but an occasional tinnitus ring, and its elusive, stream-of-consciousness storyline, the film has a woozy, disconnected feel that puts us squarely in Martha’s shoes. Sometimes Durkin strands her in the centre of a massive frame like a malicious Terrence Malick; sometimes he shoots her from far too close. It’s a testament to Olsen’s stunning performance that it withstands such scrutiny, particularly when Martha’s motives remain obscure.
Besides his weak words and forceful personality, there are no explanations for Hawkes’ allure – Martha and her fellow lost souls seem desperate for a leader, however toxic – and the character’s ultimate fate is forever in question. If you’re expecting a traditional thriller or character study, expect to be disappointed. This is a troubling portrait of how fear and abuse leave their tentacles in everything they touch – and a haunting one at that.
By Matt Glasby, Flicks.co.nz
A darkly laid-back examination of displacement and vulnerability, and the attempt to come to terms with traumatic events. The acting, without exception, is excellent, and the seeming authenticity of the cult member's lifestyle and residence is absolutely gripping. It builds it's way ever so gradually to a shattering climactic event followed by a mysterious non-resolution of an ending, and I was left marvelling at the delicacy and perfect execution of everything about this movie. It is too close to seeming-reality for comfort. A must-see for those who enjoy the best.
Saw this at the NZ Film Festival last night and it blew me away. Have been thinking about it ever since. It's not an easy watch and the subject matter is rather grim, however there are light moments in the dark and the phenomenal direction and performances of the cast, particularly the breathtaking Elizabeth Olsen, are what make this film compelling viewing. The ending, albeit frustrating, will leave you thinking and wanting more.
Terrifying.
Ambitious and effective, introducing a gifted young actress and a director whose work I'll anticipate.
Too ambiguous for some tastes, this is grim but clever, insidiously creepy and affecting. And in Olsen and Durkin, it marks the arrival of two exciting talents to watch. It still should be called Mental Sex Cult.
A film of rough edges and no easy answers, nearly perfect in its imperfection.
Elizabeth Olsen steps onto the radar as a seriously accomplished actor in this mesmerizing drama, which also marks an assured feature debut for writer-director Sean Durkin.
