15 Essential Films You Might've Missed From This Decade (So Far)

12. Martha Marcy May Marlene

Whereas some films explain everything in crystal clear clarity from the opening scene, others opt for a more mysterious approach, gradually unveiling what's happening in vague, abstract terms rather than obvious and lucid exposition. The latter approach certainly applies to Sean Durkin's Martha Marcy May Marlene, an impressionistic portrait of the young woman Martha (Elizabeth Olsen in a confident and assured debut performance) in the aftermath of time spent with a sinister cult. Durkin plays loose with the chronology, adding to the air of confusion and disorientation felt by the main character. This is a far cry from the kind of horror movies which usually deal with cults, far more concerned with the psychological trauma of its protagonist as she struggles to adjust to "normal" life than it is with The Wicker Man-style showmanship. It's deliberately paced but viewers with patience will be amply rewarded.