The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) Review in 2025
A psychological thriller that explores the dark side of human relationships and the consequences of playing God.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to its dark and disturbing themes, this movie is not suitable for family viewing.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and drama. However, it may not be suitable for all viewers due to its dark and disturbing themes.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Steven Murphy, a successful cardiothoracic surgeon, who forms a bond with Martin, the son of a patient he had operated on. However, as their relationship deepens, Steven's family begins to suffer from strange and unexplained events, leading to a descent into madness and terror.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and thought-provoking, exploring themes of guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God. However, it can be slow-paced at times, which may test the patience of some viewers.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Colin Farrell delivering a standout performance as Steven Murphy. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Barry Keoghan delivering a chilling performance as Martin.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Colin Farrell delivering a standout performance as Steven Murphy. However, some characters feel underutilized, and their motivations are not fully explored.
direction9.50/10
Yorgos Lanthimos's direction is masterful, creating a sense of unease and tension that permeates the entire film. His use of long takes and deliberate pacing adds to the sense of unease, making the viewer feel like they are trapped in the world of the film.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with a muted color palette that adds to the sense of unease. The use of long takes and deliberate camera movements creates a sense of realism, drawing the viewer into the world of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a masterfully crafted film that explores the dark side of human relationships and the consequences of playing God. The performances are superb, and the direction is flawless.
Cons
The pacing can be slow at times, and some characters feel underutilized. However, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall experience.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a doctor, I'm a surgeon."
"You're a very bad doctor."
"You're a very bad person."
