The Killing of a Sacred Deer

The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Year: 2017

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Giorgos Lanthimos

DramaMysteryThrillerHorror

A brilliant surgeon's carefully constructed life is thrown into turmoil when a strange young man named Martin inserts himself into his family. As Martin’s presence intensifies, unsettling events begin to occur, and the doctor is confronted with a disturbing request that forces him to confront a dark secret from his past. The consequences threaten to unravel his family and expose a profound sense of dread.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

Trace every key event in The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Open-Heart Surgery

The film opens with Steven conducting an intricate open-heart surgery. This moment establishes his professional competence but also hints at the weight of responsibility he carries in his line of work.

Hospital Operating Room
2

Casual Conversation

After the surgery, Steven engages in a light-hearted conversation with his anesthesiologist about watches. This exchange suggests a deeper friendship and reveals Steven's preference for meaningful connections.

Hospital
3

Meeting Martin

Later, Steven meets Martin at a diner, taking on a mentor role by surprising him with a watch he had shown interest in. This seemingly sincere gesture sets the stage for the complicated dynamic that will unfold between them.

Diner
4

Family Dinner and Conflict

During a family dinner, tension arises when Steven insists that his son Bob cut his long hair before attending a party. This interaction highlights the struggles within Steven and Anna's marriage, showcasing conflicting parenting styles.

Home
5

Gala Speech

The narrative shifts to a gala where Steven delivers a speech about his sobriety. This moment introduces a facade of control that Steven maintains in his life, contrasting sharply with the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.

Gala Event
6

Martin's Dark Revelation

During a dinner, Martin reveals the tragic death of his father, linking it to Steven's surgical error. This conversation escalates the tension as Martin insinuates that Steven must pay for his past mistakes.

Steven’s Home
7

Bob's Sudden Illness

Strange occurrences arise when Bob suddenly becomes paralyzed and loses the ability to feel his legs. This alarming incident connects directly to Martin’s previous insinuations, escalating the family's distress.

Hospital
8

Kim Falls Ill

While at choir rehearsal, Kim becomes ill, experiencing her own health crisis that eerily mirrors Bob's condition. These intertwined misfortunes further amplify the family's fears and suspicions regarding Martin.

Choir Rehearsal
9

Anna's Confrontation

Anna confronts the anesthesiologist about Steven's past drinking habits, uncovering a troubling pattern that links their family's distress to Steven’s actions. This revelation deepens the sense of entrapment they face.

Hospital
10

Martin's Manipulation

In private meetings, Martin begins to twist the emotions of Kim and Bob, leaving the entire family in a state of unease and vulnerability. His influence becomes palpable, creating a toxic atmosphere around them.

11

Desperate Measures

As the family's situation worsens, Steven resorts to violence against Martin, driven by desperation. This pivotal moment showcases the culmination of the mounting pressures they face from Martin's threats.

12

The Ultimate Decision

In a chilling climax, Steven confronts his family with a rifle, symbolizing the heavy burden of his past actions. The haunting atmosphere leaves viewers questioning who Steven is willing to sacrifice as an act of atonement.

Home
13

Diner Closure

In a haunting closure, the family dines in a diner that feels reminiscent of earlier encounters. Martin’s presence adds a lingering tension, suggesting that the trauma may not be easily left behind.

Diner
14

Moral Complexities

The film concludes, leaving the audience grappling with the moral intricacies surrounding guilt and family bonds. It challenges viewers to contemplate the tragic price of past decisions in shaping their present.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:36

Unlock the Full Story of The Killing of a Sacred Deer

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The Killing of a Sacred Deer Summary

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The Killing of a Sacred Deer Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Killing of a Sacred Deer. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Killing of a Sacred Deer

The Killing of a Sacred Deer Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Killing of a Sacred Deer? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer Ending Explained

More About The Killing of a Sacred Deer

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