The Killing of a Sacred Deer

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a 2017 psychological horror film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The film stars Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry G. Bernson, Herb Caillouet, and Bill Camp. The movie is inspired by the Greek tragedy "Iphigenia at Aulis" by Euripides.

In the heart of suburban tranquillity, radiologist Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell) is a successful professional with a picture-perfect family; his wife, Anna (Nicole Kidman), is a reputable ophthalmologist, and they have two enviable children, Kim (Raffey Cassidy) and Bob (Sunny Suljic). Everything evolves around Steven, who is living the dream until he runs into the darkly charismatic teenager, Martin (Barry Keoghan), who seems to know more about Steven than he's willing to admit.

The bulk of the movie emphasizes on the eerie relationship between Martin and the Murphy family. The unpredictable Martin seems to have a hand in causing personal and professional chaos for Steven. If viewed from a distance, one might see an evil tactician toying with his opponents, but the genius of The Killing of a Sacred Deer is in its ambiguity, allowing viewers to make their associations and theories, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The film's intense atmosphere and genre transcendence are enhanced by director Lanthimos' sterile aesthetics in cinematography. The organic, bird's eye view shots give viewers a sense of unease, providing immense scale to ordinary scenes. This mastery of visual storytelling is complemented by unnerving and discordant music that plays at vital narrative points, creating a hauntingly beautiful cinematic landscape.

Yet, "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" is not just a horror movie; it's also a social drama. Lanthimos does not shy away from tackling themes like the consequences of unaddressed guilt, the struggle between moral accountability and familial love, and the destructive power of favouritism. While these themes are interwoven with horror elements, they are portrayed realistically, often through metaphors and allegorical devices, creating a layered narrative that invites multiple interpretations.

Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman deliver powerhouse performances, whose interactions have a strange, idiosyncratic rhythm. The supporting cast, particularly the exceptionally chilling Barry Keoghan, rounds out this ensemble of complex, well-drawn characters. Farrell's Steven is arresting in his desperation, and Kidman's cool, restrained portrayal of Anna complements it perfectly. Meanwhile, Keoghan's performance is outstanding, masterfully balancing Martin's fragile adolescence and simmering menace.

The scriptwriter, Efthimis Filippou, together with the director, has penned a screenplay that feels like a meticulous work of precision engineering, with every line and action serving a distinct purpose. Despite the bleak subject matter, there's a biting humour, wrapped up in mundanity and deadpan delivery, running underneath the surface. This macabre comedy mixed with visceral horror offers a unique tone that, while unsettling, is also intriguing.

"The Killing of a Sacred Deer" uses its brilliant performances, eerie storytelling, and Lanthimos' signature idiosyncratic style to make a film that is resonantly disturbing, provoking, and unforgettable. It is a courageously experimental film, smartly constructed and beautifully shot. It evokes a blend of dread and humour to disturb its audience effectively and demonstrates the director’s knack for crafting unsettling, unpredictable narratives.

To describe "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" simply would not do justice to its rich blend of unique craftsmanship. It is a cleverly chilling allegorical tale which, hidden under the veneer of a psychological horror, also unravels into a critique of societal norms and family dynamics. It is a much-watch for those who appreciate innovative narratives that challenge the viewers. The film ultimately leaves the audience pondering over unsettling questions, an echo of its haunting and beautifully grotesque exploration of the human condition.

In conclusion, the film is a symbolic masterwork, a grisly psychological horror and a stunning drama that unfurls an unforgettable and harrowing cinematic experience veiled by high-stakes suspense and deadpan humour. For the audience who crave mind-bending narratives and for those who appreciate art-house cinema with a taste for the macabre, "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" is undoubtedly a must-see.