My husband, daughter and I went to see it yesterday as well.
This is not a movie, it is an experience. The woman playing Mary (Maia Morgenstern) just ripped my heart out. I cannot remember ever seeing a movie, where at the end of it, I didn't want to get up out of my seat. I felt, I don't know, stunned(?).
My husband actually said that he doesn't want it to get any Academy Awards because this goes so beyond being a "movie". My daughter (16) said that she wished it had gone on further. I think she was ready for the "good news" part.
As for blood and gore that the critics are constantly harping on, I thought it was not as much as the critics seem to indicate. Mel cuts away from the torture often, and you are left with the sound of it vs. having to watch it non-stop. Also, the flashbacks are very well placed and give the viewer a break from the violence.
Very well done.