An MCU Star’s Must-Watch Underrated Psychological Thriller Is About to Leave Streaming

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Elizabeth Olsen is known for playing complicated and fascinating characters. Many recognize her as Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, in the Marvel movies, but that’s just one example of her talent. She’s also given strong performances as a woman accused of murder in Love & Death, a grieving widow in Sorry for Your Loss, and Joan in Eternity, where her character faces a difficult choice about the afterlife. However, one role in particular really showcased her skills – and even helped her get the part in Marvel – and it’s soon leaving streaming services.

Elizabeth Olsen made her film debut in the 2011 thriller Martha Marcy May Marlene, playing a young woman who escapes a years-long abusive cult. Though she reconnects with her sister, Martha struggles to adjust to freedom. The film also features Sarah Paulson, John Hawes, and Hugh Dancy. Critics praised the film, especially Olsen’s performance and her ability to portray a complex range of emotions. It’s a highly acclaimed movie, and it will be available on HBO Max until January 31st.

Martha Marcy May Marlene Helped Olsen Become the Scarlet Witch

The film Martha Marcy May Marlene is a powerful and unsettling look at the devastating effects of cults and the struggle to recover. Elizabeth Olsen delivers a remarkable performance, portraying the character’s fragmented state through flashbacks and her immediate experiences after escaping. The film skillfully jumps between timelines, revealing both Martha’s present struggles and her past experiences as ‘Marcy May’ within the cult, offering a realistic and deeply human portrayal of the challenges faced by survivors of cult manipulation and the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

Elizabeth Olsen’s impressive performance in the film Martha Marcy May Marlene was a turning point in her career, eventually leading to her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel executives were so impressed with her work in the film that they met with her soon after. Although they didn’t discuss a specific project at the time, they expressed interest in her as an actress. This ultimately led to her being cast as Wanda Maximoff in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Wanda has since become a significant character in the Marvel franchise. For those interested, Martha Marcy May Marlene is still available to stream on HBO Max, but will be removed on January 31st.

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2026-01-22 00:16