BWFF: Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts

(2017) dir Mouly Surya w/ Marsha Timothy, Dea Panendra, Egi Fedly, Yoga Pratama, Rita Matu Mona, VayuUnru, Anggun Priambodo, Safira Ahmad [93 min; DCP]

MARLINA THE MURDER IN FOUR ACTS is a feminist Spaghetti western from Indonesia – complete with soaring guitar score and strange, surreal touches. After surviving an encounter with a band of rapist thieves, Marlina (Timothy) leaves her remote home on a mission to confess to her crimes. She travels on foot, by bus, and, fittingly, by horse as she carries the severed head of her rapist with her in a sack.

 The film is gruesome, funny, and beautiful, deftly navigated through the shifting tones by filmmaker Mouly Surya. It is a revelation and the perfect example of the kinds of wonderful surprises we will see as more and more diverse voices are able to contribute to the film industry.

Buy 3 or more tickets in advance to any screenings at the Brattle during the Boston Women’s Film Festival and get 15% off of your order! The discount will be applied automatically.