The Killing of a Sacred Deer

The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Year: 2017

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Giorgos Lanthimos

DramaMysteryThrillerHorror

In this chilling thriller, renowned surgeon Dr. Steven Murphy's seemingly perfect life is disrupted by Martin, a mysterious teenager who insinuates himself into the family's orbit. As Martin's true intentions unfold, Steven's dark past resurfaces, threatening to destroy his idyllic suburban existence and everything he holds dear.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Killing of a Sacred Deer yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative does not specify a particular historical period, focusing instead on the present day. The issues of personal morality and family dynamics resonate with contemporary audiences, making it relatable regardless of time.

Location

Hospital, Diner, Home

The story unfolds in various locations that highlight the contrast between normalcy and tragedy. The hospital signifies life-or-death situations, as seen when Bob becomes paralyzed. The diner serves as a focal point for conversations, where the tension between characters often rises, and their home is a battleground for personal relationships and crises.

🏥 Hospital 🍽️ Diner 🏠 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:33

Main Characters – The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Meet the key characters of The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Martin

Martin is a complex character whose charm conceals an underlying menace. He aggressively manipulates the Murphy family, drawing them into his dark web of revenge for his father's fate. His ability to navigate between being appealing and threatening accentuates the horror of his role in the narrative.

👤 Manipulator ⚰️ Revenge

Steven Murphy

Steven is a well-respected surgeon whose life begins to unravel due to his past decisions. He struggles with guilt stemming from an accident that ties back to Martin's father. This burden bleeds into his family life, exposing the fragility of his relationships and moral compass.

🏥 Surgeon 🔄 Guilt

Anna Murphy

Anna is Steven's wife, often caught in her husband's moral dilemmas and family crises. Her role as a mother reveals her nurturing side, but the pressure of the unfolding events reflects her growing distress. Anna's conflictual feelings towards Steven showcase the strain on their marriage.

👩‍👧‍👦 Mother 💔 Conflict

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:33

Major Themes – The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Explore the central themes of The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Morality

The film explores rich themes of morality and responsibility, questioning the cost of past decisions. Steven's struggle with guilt and his dire choice regarding family members epitomizes the moral dilemmas that individuals face when confronted with their actions. It poses uncomfortable questions about sacrifice and accountability in the face of tragedy.

🌪️ Family Dynamics

Family relationships are at the core of the narrative, illustrating the tumultuous connections that can exist beneath surface-level interactions. Steven and Anna's troubled partnership, paired with the children's health crises, showcases the fragility of family unity. The film delves into how external pressures can unravel familial bonds.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:33

Similar Movies to The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Discover movies like The Killing of a Sacred Deer that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.