Watch The Killing of a Sacred Deer

The Killing of a Sacred Deer, released in 2017, is a haunting psychological thriller directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the same director of The Lobster. The movie is a modern retelling of the ancient Greek tragedy of Iphigenia, with a unique narrative, unconventional characters and a strange, unsettling atmosphere. The movie revolves around the life of a successful surgeon, Steven Murphy, played by Colin Farrell, who has a perfect life with his wife, Anna (Nicole Kidman), and their two children, Kim and Bob. Steven befriends a strange, awkward teenager named Martin (Barry Keoghan) who seems to have a mysterious hold over him, and who frequently visits Steven at his hospital and his home. As the movie progresses, Martin's true intentions are gradually revealed, and Steven and his family find themselves in a surreal nightmare that threatens their entire existence.

The movie has a unique shooting style, with long, static takes, eerie music, and a muted color palette which adds to the sense of unease throughout the film. The characters speak in a non-emotive, monotone manner and use an awkward, stilted language that makes them sound almost robotic, further adding to the sense of surrealism and unease.

The story of The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a complex one, centered around themes of guilt, justice, sacrifice, and the thin line between the natural and supernatural. The film raises questions about the nature of morality and responsibility, and prompts the viewer to ask themselves what actions they would take in similar circumstances.

Colin Farrell delivers a strong performance in the role of the morally conflicted surgeon, who is forced to make a series of difficult and painful decisions. He portrays his character as cold and calculating, yet sympathetic and vulnerable at the same time. Nicole Kidman is also exceptional in her role as a thoroughly controlled wife, who is torn between her love for her husband and the safety of her family.

Barry Keoghan is the standout actor of the film, giving a memorable and chilling performance as Martin, the mysterious teenager with a hidden agenda. His character is the catalyst of the film's conflict, and he is able to create an unnerving presence that causes the audience to fear and loathe him.

In addition to its exceptional cast, The Killing of a Sacred Deer has an intriguing and unusual soundtrack, featuring classical pieces and deep, rumbling electronic music tracks that add to the foreboding sense of dread throughout the movie. The sound effects are also expertly used, with a recurring sound of a mechanical heart that adds to the unsettling atmosphere.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is not a film for the faint-hearted, with its grim scenes of violence and psychological trauma. However, it is a remarkable piece of cinema that will leave the viewer feeling uneasy and disconcerted long after it is over. It is a deeply thought-provoking film that challenges the viewer to think about the meaning of morality, responsibility and justice in a modern world.

In conclusion, The Killing of a Sacred Deer is an expertly crafted film that is both unnerving and unforgettable. Its unconventional narrative, eerily detached characters, and surreal atmosphere set it apart from traditional psychological thrillers, making it a true masterpiece of the genre. If you are a fan of movies that challenge the mind and leave you questioning yourself, then The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a must-watch film.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 73.