Every year brings with it the American indie arthouse hit - it's as mandatory as the Oscars or the next Adam Sandler flop (see: This month's release, Jack and Jill). Many independent films over the last few years have moulded a naïf sensibility, with lush swathes of US terrain as watched from a moving car, coupled with a downbeat but heartwarming finale. Last year's Winter's Bone, with the magnificent Jennifer Lawrence, bucked that trend and reaped dividends for it. This year's sleeper hit-in-waiting is Martha Marcy May Marlene.
First-time feature filmmaker Sean Durkin directs Elizabeth Olson - the youngest of the infamous Olson brood - as Martha, a teenage runaway. She's escaping the confines of a commune in upstate New York; a cult, by any other name, masquerading under the peaceful sheen of idyllic retreat.
Much artistic license is given over to first time directors, and Durkin presents a story (of his own script) that utilises such a freedom. A non-linear narrative shifts us between different points in Martha's life, presenting different viewpoints and, potentially, different stories. Durkin gives us the space to reflect on Martha's life, as much as she is doing so herself. Elizabeth Olson gives a performance the likes of which her family has never known. Put them together and we have two very specific talents on show. Their careers may proceed in separate directions, sometimes winning, sometimes not, but this is really a rather special film, and very remarkably achieved by very talented people.
Martha Marcy May Marlene is on national release.
