The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) Movie Review: A Chilling Exploration of Guilt and Retribution
The Killing of a Sacred Deer, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a psychological horror-thriller that blends elements of Greek tragedy with a modern-day narrative of guilt, retribution, and the inescapable nature of fate. Released in 2017, this film is a disturbing yet meticulously crafted exploration of human morality, punctuated by unsettling performances and a stark, almost clinical visual style. Starring Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman, the film presents a haunting tale that lingers long after the credits roll.
Plot Overview
The story follows Dr. Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell), a successful cardiovascular surgeon who lives a seemingly perfect life with his wife Anna (Nicole Kidman) and their two children, Kim (Raffey Cassidy) and Bob (Sunny Suljic). However, beneath the surface, Steven harbors a secret connection to a troubled teenager named Martin (Barry Keoghan), whose father died on Steven’s operating table years earlier.
Martin initially appears to be a somewhat awkward but harmless young man, seeking a father figure in Steven. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Martin’s intentions are far more sinister. He holds Steven responsible for his father’s death and demands a horrifying form of retribution: Steven must sacrifice one member of his family, or they will all suffer a mysterious illness that progressively paralyzes and kills them.
The film then follows Steven’s descent into a nightmarish dilemma as he grapples with the impossible decision placed upon him. As Martin’s curse takes hold, the Murphy family is forced to confront the consequences of Steven’s past actions, leading to a harrowing conclusion that questions the nature of justice, guilt, and the human capacity for cruelty.
Characters and Performances
Colin Farrell delivers a restrained yet powerful performance as Dr. Steven Murphy, embodying a man whose controlled exterior is gradually eroded by the overwhelming guilt and the impossible choice he must make. Farrell’s portrayal of Steven’s inner turmoil is both subtle and intense, capturing the character’s growing desperation as the situation spirals out of control.
Nicole Kidman is equally compelling as Anna, Steven’s wife, who shifts from being a supportive partner to a figure of cold pragmatism as the family’s crisis deepens. Kidman’s performance is chilling in its calmness, as Anna becomes increasingly willing to face the brutal reality of their situation.
Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of Martin is one of the film’s most striking elements. His performance is unsettling and enigmatic, perfectly capturing the character’s blend of innocence and malevolence. Martin is not a typical villain; his motivations, while terrifying, are deeply rooted in a sense of moral justice, making him a complex and unpredictable antagonist.
The supporting cast, including Raffey Cassidy and Sunny Suljic as the Murphy children, deliver strong performances that add to the film’s emotional weight. Their innocent suffering becomes a focal point of the narrative, heightening the tension as the family’s fate hangs in the balance.
Cinematography and Direction
Yorgos Lanthimos’s direction in The Killing of a Sacred Deer is both precise and unnerving. The film’s visual style is characterized by cold, clinical compositions that mirror the emotional detachment of its characters. Cinematographer Thimios Bakatakis employs wide-angle shots and deliberate camera movements to create a sense of unease, as if the audience is a passive observer to the unfolding tragedy.
The sterile, almost antiseptic environments—particularly in the hospital and the Murphy family home—enhance the film’s atmosphere of dread, where even the most mundane settings feel charged with menace. The use of natural lighting and stark contrasts further contributes to the film’s unsettling tone.
Lanthimos also employs a minimalist approach to sound design, with moments of silence amplifying the tension. The sparse, haunting score by composer Jóhann Jóhannsson adds to the film’s ominous mood, creating a sense of inevitability as the story progresses toward its grim resolution.
Themes and Symbolism
At its core, The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a modern-day retelling of the Greek myth of Iphigenia, in which Agamemnon must sacrifice his daughter to appease the gods and ensure his army’s success. This mythological parallel underscores the film’s exploration of themes such as guilt, retribution, and the inescapable nature of fate.
The title itself is a direct reference to this myth, with Martin’s demand for a sacrifice mirroring the gods’ demand for Iphigenia. The film suggests that Steven’s past actions—whether intentional or accidental—carry a weight that cannot be ignored, and that the sins of the past must be paid for, no matter the cost.
The film also delves into the concept of justice, questioning what is fair and who has the right to administer punishment. Martin’s actions, while extreme, are portrayed as a form of divine retribution, forcing Steven to confront the consequences of his perceived hubris as a surgeon who plays god with others’ lives.
Reception and Legacy
The Killing of a Sacred Deer received critical acclaim for its originality, performances, and Lanthimos’s unique directorial style. However, it also divided audiences due to its unsettling content and ambiguous moral conclusions. The film’s slow pacing and deliberate detachment may not appeal to everyone, but for those willing to engage with its dark and thought-provoking themes, it offers a richly rewarding experience.
Over time, The Killing of a Sacred Deer has solidified its place as a significant work in contemporary cinema, particularly within the horror and psychological thriller genres. Its blend of classical tragedy with modern horror elements sets it apart from other films, making it a standout piece in Lanthimos’s filmography.
Where to Watch The Killing of a Sacred Deer Online in the USA
For those interested in experiencing this chilling and thought-provoking film, The Killing of a Sacred Deer is available on several streaming platforms:
1. Netflix
- Availability: Streaming with Subscription
- Details: Available to watch with a Netflix subscription.
2. Amazon Prime Video
- Availability: Rent or Buy
- Price: Rent starting at $3.99; Purchase at $12.99
- Details: Available in HD with options to rent or buy.
3. Apple TV
- Availability: Rent or Buy
- Price: Rent starting at $3.99; Purchase at $12.99
- Details: Available for rent or purchase in HD.
4. Vudu
- Availability: Rent or Buy
- Price: Rent starting at $3.99; Purchase at $12.99
- Details: Available for streaming in HD with rental and purchase options.
Conclusion
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a haunting exploration of guilt, retribution, and the dark side of human nature. With its unsettling performances, stark cinematography, and thought-provoking themes, the film challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable moral questions while immersing them in a narrative that is as chilling as it is compelling. It is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate films that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
