Sabrina Matthews

Two stars because it's not completely unwatchable, but there's also no point in watching it. I felt dumber after it, like I must be missing something. But no, I saw the behind the scenes featurette and it's exactly what the director put in front of me. This movie is bald and obvious. It hits you over the head with character archetypes and still feels the need to have the antagonist spoon feed you reasonings. And yet, it hyper focuses on some details and never gives you an explanation. It's shot like a low budget horror film, very little creative or immersive cinematography, other than the food shots. Grade A actors with a C- script and editing that's a touch too loose and a few seconds behind. Judith Light is utterly wasted in this story. The director calls it a dark comedy. Perhaps all the jokes got left on the cutting room floor? This movie boils down to: this obvious thing bad, antagonist motives transparent. Now watch what lackluster action follows.

From the trailer and other reviews, this movie is sold as some sort of existential film contemplating the smallness of life. It's not. It's a biopic about Lisa Nowak and it's not even good at that. The narrative seems to give justification for a woman being selfish and tearing her family apart. They must have sold the script hard to get Portman to agree to this movie. Cinematically, there are scenes you can tell they are TRYING to convey a sense of wonder & magic, but it's not well done, there's something missing. Overall, I'd say don't waste your time.

Firstly, labelling what the main character is in as a cult seems inaccurate. It's a bunch of theives who share girlfriends. This movie is frustrating with it's lack of information. You never really get a full picture of what has gone on or what is going on. Martha and Lucy have several scenes together before you even find out they're sisters. They don't act related, Lucy could be a good friend or an ex co-worker for all the clues we're given. Worst thing of it all is after you sit through all 2 hours, you discover there's no point to the film. It doesn't even give you anything to think about. Had I watched it in the theater I wouldn't have left with a topic to be chewed on or debated. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is because Elizabeth Olsen did a wonderful acting job and it was shot well. Thought provoking this movie is not.