Martha Marcy May Marlene is a 2011 American psychological thriller drama film written and directed by Sean Durkin in his directorial feature film debut, and starring Elizabeth Olsen (in her film debut), John Hawkes, Sarah Paulson, and Hugh Dancy. The plot focuses on a young woman suffering from PTSD after fleeing a violent and sexually abusive cult commune in the Catskill Mountains. Martha Marcy May Marlene premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2011, where Durkin won the Directing Award, before it received a limited release in theatres starting October 21. The film received praise, particularly for the performances of Olsen and Hawkes; the former receiving nominations for Best Actress at the Critics' Choice, Independent Spirit and Satellite Awards.