I wanted to like this movie. I was raised in and near multiple cults, in Northern California. I love beautiful, dark, unconventional cinema, like Irreversible, or Tree of Life. But despite the genuinely fascinating subject matter (rape-cult victim), the director seemed more interested in close-ups of Elizabeth Olsen's notably beautiful face than providing such mundane conventions as, say, a plot arc. Or an ending. I get that there is an interesting tension between what is good and bad about the rape-cult lifestyle and what is good and bad about Martha's sister's conventional family/career-oriented lifestyle. But the direction of the film wants us to pay attention to the tension of Martha being ready to snap, and--either way--he refuses to deliver. Standing at the exit, listening to exiting conversations, I heard a lot of people making polite, positive comments. Or confused comments. No raves. This is the Sundance film we're supposed to like. But it's just not that good.

I always read several reviews prior to going to any movie- I don't want spoilers, but if a film is going to have a totally unresolved ending such as this one, I want to be prepared. Based on the many audience groans at this film's conclusion, I would say most did not do their homework! It was superb- and Elizabeth Olsen was outstanding. And, as a totally heterosexual female,I would describe her naked breasts as perfect!!

This is the worst movie I have seen in a long time. Sooo slooow moving, terrible acting and lousy ending. I am sorry I wasted my money on this. I felt like asking for a refund. If you want to see it, wait a couple of weeks and it will be on cable.

This was the first film in a long time (not since Sweeney Todd) that my sleep was disturbed after seeing a movie. Martha Mary May Marlene was a wonderful showcase for the Olson Twin's younger sister, Elizabeth, whose tour de force performance makes this film particularly noteworthy. The unanswered questions, beautifully lit scenes, and supporting cast made this an unsettling, but worthwhile film.

The young female star is pretty and appealing, but the film was dull and shallow about cults, family and ordinary middle class life, with mediocre film-making in pacing, color, sets, cinematography and script.