A journalist and his girlfriend get pulled in while they investigate a cult whose leader claims to be from the future.
The solutions only lead to more questions, but the investigation is an original, compelling one. And Marling’s role as Maggie, in oxygen tank and flowing veil, gives the drama a fascinating, enigmatic centre.
The duo of Marling and Batmanglij have constructed an engrossing mystery, written, acted and directed with considerable skill.
Like Martha Marcy May Marlene, this lo-fi psychodrama reaps the benefits of a mesmerising female lead, only this time as cult leader not disciple. Marling continues to impress.
More nonsensical than enigmatic.
Batmanglij's tale starts off in an intriguing enough fashion but the story fades away long before the credits roll.
For two-thirds this held my attention but it becomes clear the story is an elaborate tease with no answers or proper third act.
A few clumsy but forgivable moments aside, this is a subtle and downright creepy film.
Some nice twists promise us an old-fashioned, well-made thriller. Infuriatingly, however, it doesn't arrive, and a plot strand remains untied; we are left feeling this residual mood of vague ambiguity and disquiet is supposed to make up for it.
Praise all the same to Batmanglij on his debut, and to Marling for a performance to match her guilt-tormented astronomer in a similar alt.sci-fi psychodrama, Another Earth.
The setting up is better than the working out, and a third act is desperately lacking.
A compelling low-budget film which would have been even better if co-writer Marling could wean herself off an infatuation with infuriating conclusions.
Sound of My Voice: the ultimate cult movie?
Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Friday August 31, 2012, until Monday September 3, 2012. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com
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