In the upcoming drama MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, a young woman escapes the clutches of a cult compound only to face flashbacks and the psychological dilemma of re-assimilation into society. Written and directed by SEAN DURKIN, the film includes powerful performances by a cast that features Academy Award-nominee JOHN HAWKES, newcomer ELIZABETH OLSEN, SARAH PAULSON and HUGH DANCY.

A virtual unknown, OLSEN is probably most familiar as the younger sister of the (in)famous MARY-KATE and ASHLEY OLSEN, who rose to fame on the long-running TV sitcom FULL HOUSE. A veteran of a few small roles in independent films, she’s never had to carry a picture before but rises to the occasion admirably. Although, during our recent interview, she talked about a particular scene that almost did her in. (CLICK ON THE MEDIA BAR FOR AUDIO)

MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE opens in theaters Friday