Synopsis: Dr. Steven Murphy is a renowned cardiovascular surgeon who presides over a spotless household with his wife and two children. Lurking at the margins of his idyllic suburban existence is Martin, a fatherless teen who insinuates himself into the doctor’s life in gradually unsettling ways. Soon, the full scope of Martin’s intent becomes menacingly clear when he confronts Steven with a long-forgotten transgression that will shatter his domestic bliss forever.
Cast: Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan, Raffey Cassidy, Sunny Suljic, Alicia Silverstone, Bill Camp
Screenplay: Ed Guiney, Yorgos Lanthimos
Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos
A Yorgos Lanthimos’ movie has always been an acquired taste, and this one is no exception. Loosely based on a Greek play, THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER is a downward spiral pyschological horror that holds no punches on its thought-provoking story of a dysfunctional upper-class family’s descent into a supernatural plot of revenge. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion; tense, unnerving, and somewhat frightening.
Every character talks in a stilted, almost emotionless manner that perfectly capture the otherworldliness that Lanthimos’ films always go for. Both Farrel and Kidman are perfect, but it’s Barry Keoghan’s Martin, whose outstanding conversion from friendly to vicious is the real star of the movie.
The shots are gorgeous and strategically-placed music definitely heighten the film’s intensity. Though there are a few unanswered questions, with some disturbing imagries and misguided sexual references that might make audiences uncomfortable, this movie still bravely confronts the questions of guilt, justice and the value of human lives. (PS: And being a doctor myself, the phrase ‘general anesthesia’ will never sound the same. Thank you Mr. Lanthimos). [B+]
A copy of my review on Instagram.
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