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The Killing of a Sacred Deer

  • 20172017
  • RR
  • 2h 1m
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
148K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
630
137
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, and Barry Keoghan in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Trailer for The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Play trailer1:57
4 Videos
99+ Photos
  • Drama
  • Horror
  • Mystery

Steven, a charismatic surgeon, is forced to make an unthinkable sacrifice after his life starts to fall apart, when the behavior of a teenage boy he has taken under his wing turns sinister.Steven, a charismatic surgeon, is forced to make an unthinkable sacrifice after his life starts to fall apart, when the behavior of a teenage boy he has taken under his wing turns sinister.Steven, a charismatic surgeon, is forced to make an unthinkable sacrifice after his life starts to fall apart, when the behavior of a teenage boy he has taken under his wing turns sinister.

IMDb RATING
7.0/10
148K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
630
137
  • Director
    • Yorgos Lanthimos
  • Writers
    • Yorgos Lanthimos
    • Efthymis Filippou
  • Stars
    • Barry G. Bernson
    • Herb Caillouet
    • Bill Camp
Top credits
  • Director
    • Yorgos Lanthimos
  • Writers
    • Yorgos Lanthimos
    • Efthymis Filippou
  • Stars
    • Barry G. Bernson
    • Herb Caillouet
    • Bill Camp
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 1KUser reviews
    • 396Critic reviews
    • 73Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 6 wins & 54 nominations

    Videos4

    The Killing of a Sacred Deer
    Trailer 1:57
    The Killing of a Sacred Deer
    "Playdate" Trailer
    Trailer 1:10
    "Playdate" Trailer
    Teaser Trailer
    Trailer 1:26
    Teaser Trailer
    A Guide to the Films of Yorgos Lanthimos
    Clip 1:51
    A Guide to the Films of Yorgos Lanthimos

    Photos222

    Raffey Cassidy in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    Colin Farrell in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    Colin Farrell and Barry Keoghan in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    Colin Farrell in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    Josh Hartnett at an event for The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, Yorgos Lanthimos, Raffey Cassidy, Barry Keoghan, and Sunny Suljic at an event for The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    Colin Farrell at an event for The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    Nicole Kidman at an event for The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
    The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Barry G. Bernson
    Barry G. Bernson
    • Dr. Larry Banksas Dr. Larry Banks
    Herb Caillouet
    • Ed Thompson (Hospital Director)as Ed Thompson (Hospital Director)
    Bill Camp
    Bill Camp
    • Matthew Williamsas Matthew Williams
    Raffey Cassidy
    Raffey Cassidy
    • Kim Murphyas Kim Murphy
    Denise Dal Vera
    Denise Dal Vera
    • Mary Williamsas Mary Williams
    Colin Farrell
    Colin Farrell
    • Steven Murphyas Steven Murphy
    Barry Keoghan
    Barry Keoghan
    • Martinas Martin
    Nicole Kidman
    Nicole Kidman
    • Anna Murphyas Anna Murphy
    Drew Logan
    • Principalas Principal
    Alicia Silverstone
    Alicia Silverstone
    • Martin's Motheras Martin's Mother
    Sunny Suljic
    Sunny Suljic
    • Bob Murphyas Bob Murphy
    Michael Trester
    • Elderly Manas Elderly Man
    Ming Wang
    Ming Wang
    • Doctor (Abdominal)as Doctor (Abdominal)
    Dylan Keith Adams
    • Doctor at Conference and Event Dinneras Doctor at Conference and Event Dinner
    • (uncredited)
    Mike Ancas
    Mike Ancas
    • Bunraku Puppeteeras Bunraku Puppeteer
    • (uncredited)
    Michael Lee Bailey
    • Conference Guestas Conference Guest
    • (uncredited)
    Denise Barone
    • Medical Conference Attendeeas Medical Conference Attendee
    • (uncredited)
    Lea Hutton Beasmore
    Lea Hutton Beasmore
    • Conference Guestas Conference Guest
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Yorgos Lanthimos
    • Writers
      • Yorgos Lanthimos
      • Efthymis Filippou
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit
    After the untimely death of 16-year-old Martin's father on the operating table, little by little, a deep and empathetic bond begins to form between him and the respected cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Steven Murphy. At first, expensive gifts and then an invitation for dinner will soon earn the orphaned teenager the approval of Dr Steven's perfect family, even though right from the start, a vague, yet unnerving feeling overshadows Martin's honest intent. And then, unexpectedly, the idyllic family is smote by a fierce and pitiless punishment, while at the same time, everything will start falling apart as the innocents have to suffer. In the end, as the sins of one burden the entire family, only an unimaginable and unendurable decision that demands a pure sacrifice can purge the soul. But to find catharsis, one must first admit the sin. —Nick Riganas
    • recovering alcoholic
    • revenge
    • absurdism
    • mythology
    • obsession
    • 404 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Genres
      • Drama
      • Horror
      • Mystery
      • Thriller
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • R for disturbing violent and sexual content, some graphic nudity and language
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Heart surgery scenes in the film are real. They were filmed during an operation on a real patient who was undergoing quadruple bypass surgery which Colin Farrell attended.
    • Goofs
      When Martin talks about his father's favorite film, Barry Keoghan's Irish accent can be heard on the word "father"
    • 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. Look at the boy, look how he eats spaghetti. Exactly the same way his father did. He sticks his fork in. He twirls it around, around, around, around, around. Then he sticks it in his mouth. At that time, I thought I was the only one who ate spaghetti that way. Me and my dad. Later, of course, I found out that everyone eats spaghetti the exact same way. Exact same way, exact same way. This made me very upset. Very upset. Maybe even, um, more upset than when they told me he was dead. My dad.

      Martin: I don't know if what is happening is fair, but it's the only thing I can think of that's close to justice.

    • Connections
      Featured in The Graham Norton Show: Jane Fonda/Nicole Kidman/Colin Farrell/Bryan Cranston/Matt Lucas/Niall Horan (2017)
    • Soundtracks
      Stabat Mater D383: I. Jesus Christus schwebt am Kreuzel (Chor)
      Composed by Franz Schubert

      Performed by Michel Corboz

      Licensed courtesy of Warner Music UK Ltd

    User reviews1K

    Review
    Top review
    7/10
    It's not "weird" just to be weird, It's trying to show us something discomforting, that conventional movies CAN'T.
    While The Killing Of a Sacred Deer will be dismissed by the mainstream, for it's very unconventional acting, pacing, and plot, for other's it offers a discomforting conversation on the dark reality of nature and justice. You aren't supposed to ENJOY it, you are supposed to appreciate it.

    The intentionally cold and flat reactions from it's characters will turn many off, but give insight into empathy and trust. The subtraction and skewing of emotion allows us to get a closer look at ourselves and our expectations for coping with threats and loss. It's maddening and incredibly uncomfortable to watch, but that is it's aim and success. You have to stop wanting the movie to be what you want it to be, and start wondering why it is the way it is, if you want to take something away from it.

    While the movie doesn't meet it's impact potential by missing some opportunities for heavier moments and more character development, it is still fascinating, challenging, and rewarding for an open mind.

    For people that appreciate brain teasers like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Mulholland Drive, Borgman, Under The Skin, and Sleeping Beauty.
    helpful•217
    152
    • Gregor_81
    • Jan 4, 2018

    FAQ2

    • Is it just me or does this movie heavily borrow cinematography style and even incidental music style from 'The Shining'?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 3, 2017 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • Ireland
      • United Kingdom
    • Official sites
      • A24 (United States)
      • Facebook (United Kingdom)
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
    • Also known as
      • El sacrificio del ciervo sagrado
    • Filming locations
      • Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
    • Production companies
      • Element Pictures
      • A24
      • Film4
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $2,291,901
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $115,120
      • Oct 22, 2017
    • Gross worldwide
      • $7,027,336
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 1 minute
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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