Film Review: ‘Marla’ Is A Film Like No Other

Marla (aka Marla Mae) has been sold as ‘Carrie’ meets ‘It Follows.’ The film follows the disturbing experiences of a girl who commits a deranged act after a family friend turned gynecologist implants her IUD.  Anyone seeing this film wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a major decline in women using intrauterine devices as contraceptives. This is a film like no other and it’s an understatement to say the event has deadly implications for those close to her.

Writer-director Lisa van Dam-Bates does well to invoke intrigue and succeeds in providing viewers with the desire to see how this weird, mysterious and disturbing film ends.  Lisa van Dam- Bate’s performance in the lead role is convincing, credible and distinct against the sometimes flat and uninspired performances of the supporting cast.  Some scenes appear unnecessary prolonged and contribute to the film moving into gear halfway through its justifiable 90 minutes. There are indeed some memorable scenes and some inadvertently amusing ones, including Doctor Loudes’ apparent ability to cut the same red onion twice in a cooking scene and Detective Wirtz’s note-taking appearing reminiscent of Peter Falk’s Columbo, but without the famous raincoat, investigative mind or intuition.  Aside from the Detective Wirtz’s notetaking, there’s a distinct lack of police investigation and leniency towards prime suspects. It makes me wonder where in America is it set?

Aside from minor criticisms, the film, as far as the horror genre goes, is still entertaining. In summary, ‘Marla’ isn’t the ‘crème de la crème’ of this genre but it provides enough shock with its disturbing plot and surprising twists to keep any horror fan happy. The film premieres on digital and DVD November 5 from High Octane Pictures.

About Author

David Emmanuel Noel

David Emmanuel Noel is an avid blogger, film fanatic, art enthusiast, music lover, and theatergoer. He is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, and PR consultant who has been involved in several music events and visual art exhibitions at venues such as the Kennedy Center Washington DC, Bernie Grant Arts Centre London, the Landmark Arts Building New York, and Whole 9 Gallery in Culver City, California. He has worked closely with institutes, professional bodies, and agencies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects, New York Mayor’s Office, CAMBA- the New York-based agency, the NSPCC, and several London Boroughs on projects supporting the environmental and therapeutic benefits of the arts. He is based in London and New York.

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