Martha Marcy May Marlene is a dark indie film in a similar vein to last year’s Winter’s Bone. The narrative of the film is unreliable, with unexpected flashbacks disrupting the sequence of events; these show a young mind in trouble, reflecting the fragmented memory of the main character. Our Cinema Assistant, Cathy Quinlan wrote a short review of the film…

‘I was at the first screening of Martha Marcy May Marlene tonight in the Model Cinema. It truly is a startling look at the life of one girl engrossed in a cult commune run by Patrick (John Hawkes), the alpha male and leader of the group. He is controlling and manipulative to the point where these girls feel lucky to be loved and approved by him, when he is in fact a confused and mentally unstable individual. The most telling part of the film is her struggle with it all after she has left the commune and returned to her sister whom she hasn’t seen in years.

The title character, Martha, is played by Elizabeth Olsen, who at just 23 years of age has the presence and confidence of a truly experienced actress with the ability to play such a complex and emotionally affected woman. The film is held together well by strong performances and great writing but Elizabeth Olsen is the reason you stay watching.’

Martha Marcy May Marlene is screening on April 4, 5 & 6 April at 6.15pm and on Sunday 8 April at 3.15pm. Also screening this week for a limited run of three screenings, is the modern day classic Margaret.

Margaret is screening on Wednesday and Thursday at 8.15pm and Sunday at 6.15pm.