Reviews: The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
Subgenres: Psychological, Vengeance, Dysfunctional Family, Teens, A24
Our honest review of The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) breaks down its scares, pacing, and whether this horror movie truly stands the test of time.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) – A Chilling Psychological Horror That Demands a Moral Reckoning
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a haunting descent into psychological horror that unfolds with clinical precision and emotional detachment. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the film blends unsettling atmosphere with a mythic sense of consequence, creating a nightmare rooted not in supernatural terror, but in cold, inevitable justice. With a slow, surgical unraveling, it explores themes of guilt, sacrifice, and the inescapable consequences of moral failure — all wrapped in a surreal, skin-crawling narrative.
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
At the center of the story is Dr. Steven Murphy, a respected cardiovascular surgeon living a seemingly perfect life with his wife and two children. But beneath this veneer of normalcy lies a secret: a fatal mistake from his past that sets the stage for a moral reckoning.
Steven has formed a mysterious bond with Martin, a quiet and intense teenage boy whose father died during one of Steven’s operations. As their relationship deepens, Martin reveals a chilling truth — Steven’s family is now cursed. One by one, his children begin to suffer unexplained paralysis, and the rules of the curse are clear: unless Steven sacrifices one member of his family, they will all perish.
This premise may sound fantastical, but it’s grounded in stark realism. There’s no magic, no ghosts — only an unrelenting force of retribution that cannot be reasoned with. The film pulls its inspiration from ancient morality tales, particularly echoing the structure of classical tragedies, where pride, guilt, and repressed responsibility lead to inevitable doom.
As the situation spirals, the emotional distance between characters becomes unnerving. The dialogue is intentionally flat and emotionless, which paradoxically heightens the discomfort. Steven’s inability to express real remorse and Martin’s calm demeanor serve as unsettling reflections of each other, pushing the film into a space that feels eerie and otherworldly.
Acting, Cinematography, and Direction
Colin Farrell delivers a chilling performance as Steven — controlled, cold, and emotionally blocked. His character’s arc from quiet confidence to desperation is subtle yet deeply affecting. Nicole Kidman brings restrained intensity to the role of Anna, Steven’s wife, whose facade of elegance eventually crumbles under the weight of impending doom.
Barry Keoghan steals the screen as Martin. His soft-spoken manner, unwavering eye contact, and slow delivery make him one of the most quietly terrifying characters in modern horror. He’s not physically threatening, but his presence dominates every scene with quiet menace.
Cinematographer Thimios Bakatakis crafts every frame with eerie perfection. Wide shots, slow tracking movements, and sterile lighting give the film a clinical, almost surgical atmosphere — appropriate for a story built around a surgeon forced to cut into his own conscience. The visuals are cold and pristine, emphasizing the lack of emotional warmth between characters and the creeping dread that infiltrates the family.
Director Yorgos Lanthimos once again proves his mastery of unsettling storytelling. His control over tone is razor-sharp, guiding the film into psychological horror territory without relying on traditional scare tactics. The horror here is existential, philosophical, and unrelenting. Every moment feels heavy with consequence, even in silence.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Original and thought-provoking concept steeped in mythic structure
Unnerving atmosphere created through clinical pacing and detached dialogue
Stellar performances, especially Barry Keoghan’s unsettling portrayal of Martin
Unflinching exploration of guilt, consequence, and moral failure
Weaknesses:
The deliberate pacing and emotionless dialogue may alienate viewers unfamiliar with Lanthimos’ style
The surreal tone might be misinterpreted as cold or confusing
The ending offers resolution, but not closure — which may leave some viewers unsettled
Final Verdict & Score
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is a cold, cerebral horror film that lingers long after the credits roll. It avoids sensationalism in favor of a slow, suffocating build-up toward a moral choice no parent should ever have to make. While it may not appeal to mainstream horror audiences, those looking for a haunting psychological journey with deep philosophical undertones will find it unforgettable.
Score: 7/10
Who Will Enjoy It
Fans of psychological horror that leans into moral dilemmas
Viewers who appreciate slow-burn suspense with arthouse presentation
Audiences drawn to films that provoke reflection and discomfort through atmosphere
Who Might Be Disappointed
Those seeking fast-paced horror or conventional jump scares
Viewers uncomfortable with ambiguous symbolism or abstract dialogue
Audiences expecting emotional warmth or clear answers
Most Searched The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) FAQs – Answered
What is The Killing of a Sacred Deer about?
The film follows Steven Murphy, a successful surgeon whose past mistake resurfaces in a terrifying way. When Martin, the son of a deceased patient, enters his life, Steven’s family is targeted by a mysterious curse. Each family member begins suffering unexplained symptoms, and Steven is told he must make an impossible choice: sacrifice one of them, or lose them all.
Is the curse in the movie real or symbolic?
While the film never offers a scientific explanation, the curse appears real within the story’s context. Martin presents the “rules” calmly and with absolute certainty. The film leans into mythological allegory, allowing viewers to interpret the curse as both literal and a manifestation of guilt, fate, or divine justice.
Why does Steven have to make a choice?
Martin claims the only way to “balance” the death of his father is for Steven to choose and kill a member of his own family. It’s a brutal form of justice — mirroring ancient myths where blood must pay for blood. The decision forces Steven to confront responsibility and take accountability for a mistake he tried to bury.
What happens to the children in the film?
Steven’s children, Bob and Kim, begin showing symptoms after Martin reveals the curse. They lose mobility in their legs and grow weaker as time passes. The symptoms progress at the same pace Martin warned, reinforcing the film’s surreal logic and psychological tension.
Is Martin a supernatural being?
Martin is never shown to have overt supernatural powers, but the effect he has on the Murphy family is inexplicable. His calm demeanor, eerie logic, and the seemingly unstoppable curse elevate him to a symbolic level — a figure of punishment or karmic balance rather than a villain in the traditional sense.
What is the meaning of the film’s title?
The title refers to a Greek myth in which a man must sacrifice his daughter to appease the gods. The film draws direct parallels, using mythic structure to explore themes of guilt, retribution, and irreversible consequences. The "sacred deer" becomes a metaphor for innocence lost as a result of human flaws.
Is The Killing of a Sacred Deer a horror movie?
Yes, but it’s more psychological and atmospheric than traditional horror. The film builds dread through silence, detached dialogue, and moral unease rather than jump scares or graphic violence. It’s designed to disturb rather than terrify.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) – Ending Explained
In the final act, Steven realizes that Martin’s warning was not an idle threat. As his family continues to deteriorate and no medical explanation is found, Steven is forced to accept the rules of the curse.
In a harrowing climax, Steven blindfolds himself and spins in a circle while holding a rifle. His family sits on the floor before him. After several spins and missed shots, he fires and kills his young son, Bob.
With the sacrifice complete, the curse lifts. The remaining family members — Steven, Anna, and Kim — slowly return to their normal lives, though the emotional damage lingers. In the final scene, they encounter Martin at a diner. The two parties share a cold, silent moment before walking away.
The ending reinforces the film’s central themes: fate cannot be escaped, and every action has a cost. Steven’s refusal to confront his guilt earlier results in tragedy. Rather than finding redemption, the choice he makes cements his moral downfall.
By refusing to explain the curse or soften the consequences, The Killing of a Sacred Deer forces viewers to sit with the weight of responsibility, the cruelty of retribution, and the eerie silence left behind after justice — or vengeance — is served.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Killing of a Sacred Deer Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.26/10
- IMDB: 7.0/10
- MetaCritic: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 7.9/10
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