The Killing of a Sacred Deer Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A surgeon makes a new friend, but then the friend curses his family because the surgeon might have been tipsy during surgery, and the only solution is a good old-fashioned family sacrifice game of Russian Roulette!?

🍿 The Killing of a Sacred Deer: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Steven and Martin

Dr. Steven Murphy, a successful surgeon, takes a peculiar interest in a teenager named Martin. Their relationship is initially presented as a mentorship, with Steven providing guidance and support. However, their interactions quickly become unsettling as Martin’s behavior grows increasingly strange and demanding. Steven buys Martin gifts, including an expensive watch, hinting at an unhealthy dynamic.

The Unfolding Curse

Martin introduces Steven to his mother and invites him to dinner, where Martin’s mother makes an advance on Steven. Subsequently, Steven’s son, Bob, inexplicably loses the use of his legs. Doctors are baffled, unable to find any physical cause. Soon, Steven’s daughter, Kim, experiences the same paralysis. Martin reveals that he is responsible, enacting revenge for the death of his father, who died on Steven’s operating table.

The Impossible Choice

Martin informs Steven that to break the curse and save his family, he must kill one of them. If he refuses, all his family members will suffer paralysis, starvation, bleeding from the eyes, and ultimately, death. Steven is faced with an impossible moral dilemma, forced to consider sacrificing a loved one to save the others. This echoes the themes of Greek tragedy, where characters often face cruel and unavoidable fates.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell): A successful cardiothoracic surgeon who must confront the consequences of his past actions when a teenage boy, Martin, brings chaos into his life.
• Martin (Barry Keoghan): A troubled teenager who seeks to avenge his father’s death, holding Steven Murphy responsible and inflicting a terrifying curse on his family.
• Anna Murphy (Nicole Kidman): Steven’s wife, an ophthalmologist, who grapples with the horrifying situation and tries to protect her family while confronting her husband’s past.
• Kim Murphy (Raffey Cassidy): The teenage daughter of Steven and Anna who becomes entangled in Martin’s machinations and the unfolding tragedy.
• Bob Murphy (Sunny Suljic): The younger son of Steven and Anna, who is also subjected to Martin’s curse and the unimaginable horrors it unleashes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Martin: “You know, not long after my dad died, someone told me that I eat spaghetti the exact same way he did. They said what an extraordinary impression this fact had made on them.” – Martin recounts a story to Steven, highlighting his obsession with his deceased father and his need for recognition and connection.
• Martin: “I liked your daughter from the beginning. I think she has a very bright future.” – Martin ominously states his feelings for Kim, foreshadowing the danger and unnatural attraction between them.
• Martin: “It’s not fair that I have to be without a father. So you have to get rid of one of yours.” – Martin explains his twisted sense of justice to Steven, setting the terms for the horrific choice he must make.
• Anna: “Our children are dying, but yes. I can make you mashed potatoes.” – Anna dryly responds to Steven’s desperation, highlighting the absurdity and emotional detachment in their relationship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,291,901
• Worldwide Gross: $6,938,106

💥 The Killing of a Sacred Deer Reviews

Personal Review

This movie messed with my head. The acting was so strange and detached, it made me incredibly uncomfortable. But that’s kind of the point, right? The scene where they’re trying to figure out who to sacrifice, and then… the ending. Wow. It’s not a fun watch, but it’s definitely something I won’t forget anytime soon. It left me feeling disturbed and uneasy for days.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in Greek mythology and tragedy”
  • “Those who appreciate arthouse and unconventional films”
  • “Audiences who enjoy thought-provoking and unsettling stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Disturbing themes and violence”
  • “Brief graphic surgery scenes”
  • “Implied sexual content”
  • “Themes of child endangerment”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Lanthimos’s trademark icy detachment is present, but the film’s reliance on shock value sometimes overshadows its deeper themes. While the performances are strong, the narrative’s surreal elements may alienate some viewers. The film is visually striking, but emotionally distant.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A disturbing and thought-provoking film that delves into themes of guilt, justice, and sacrifice. Farrell and Kidman deliver captivating performances, and Keoghan is unsettlingly effective. Lanthimos’s unique directorial style creates an atmosphere of unease and tension.
• IndieWire: “While the film is visually arresting and features strong performances, its narrative can feel disjointed and emotionally detached. Lanthimos’s characteristic surrealism may not appeal to all audiences, and the film’s ultimate message remains somewhat ambiguous.

Audience Reactions

Barry Keoghan’s performance as Martin was creepy and unforgettable.: The film’s unsettling atmosphere and disturbing themes resonated strongly with viewers.

The bizarre and unsettling dialogue was a key talking point for many.: Viewers appreciated the movie’s unique and unconventional storytelling approach.

Overall Consensus: A divisive film that provokes strong reactions. Some viewers found it to be a disturbing masterpiece, while others found it to be pretentious and confusing.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Screenplay)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The heart surgery scenes in the film are real. They were filmed during an actual quadruple bypass surgery, and Colin Farrell was present during the operation.”
• “The film draws heavily from the Greek tragedy ‘Iphigenia in Aulis’ by Euripides, exploring themes of sacrifice, fate, and divine retribution in a modern context.”
• “Yorgos Lanthimos is known for his unique directing style, often characterized by deadpan delivery, awkward silences, and unsettling scenarios, all of which are prominent in this film.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Killing of a Sacred Deer?

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is available for streaming on various platforms. Check listings on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other streaming services for rental or purchase options. Physical copies are available from major retailers and online marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Killing of a Sacred Deer, you might like these similar films:

• The Witch (2015): Both films explore themes of inexplicable supernatural forces impacting a family and leading to horrific choices.
• Funny Games (1997): Explores the theme of an innocent family being terrorized and forced to play sadistic games by malevolent outsiders.
• We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011): Deals with themes of disturbed youth causing destruction within a family unit.
• Hereditary (2018): Both movies deal with dark family secrets, grief, and supernatural elements that lead to tragic and unsettling outcomes.

🛒 The Killing of a Sacred Deer Related Products

• The Lobster [Blu-ray]: Another film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, ‘The Lobster’ explores themes of love and relationships in a dystopian setting, offering a similar blend of dark humor and surreal storytelling.
• Greek Mythology: A Traveler’s Guide from Mount Olympus to the Underworld: A comprehensive guide to Greek mythology, providing context for the film’s themes and references.
• Colin Farrell Movie Collection [DVD]: A collection of Colin Farrell’s best movies including Alexander, Minority Report and Hart’s War. Featuring some of his greatest performances across diverse genres.
• Nicole Kidman Filmography [Poster]: A detailed poster showcasing all of Nicole Kidman’s performances across different genres and roles.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Killing of a Sacred Deer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stabat Mater D383: I. Jesus Christus schwebt am Kreuzel (Chor)” – performed by Franz Schubert
• “Carol of the Bells” – performed by Mykola Leontovych
• “Kanon Pokajanen: Ode 1” – performed by Arvo Pärt

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Most Baffling Movies Of 2017

Curious about why ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ was considered one of the most perplexing films of 2017? This video delves into the film’s enigmatic nature and offers valuable insights.

The Story Of Iphigenia & The Sacred Deer – (Greek Mythology Explained)

Unravel the ancient Greek myth that inspired ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer.’ This video provides a fascinating exploration of the parallels between the film and the tragic tale of Iphigenia.

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