The Killing of a Sacred Deer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.