The Killing of a Sacred Deer
2017DramaDirected by Yorgos Lanthimos
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Synopsis
"The Killing of a Sacred Deer," directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a chilling drama that delves into the complexities of morality and consequence. The film follows Steven, a successful surgeon played by Colin Farrell, whose life takes a dark turn when a teenage boy named Martin, portrayed by Barry Keoghan, enters his family's life. As Steven's family begins to inexplicably fall ill, he is faced with a harrowing decision that will test the limits of his morality and unravel the fabric of his existence. With a stellar cast including Nicole Kidman as Steven's wife Anna, "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" weaves a suspenseful narrative that blurs the lines between horror and psychological thriller. As Steven grapples with the consequences of his actions and struggles to maintain control over his unraveling life, the film builds tension to a haunting crescendo. Lanthimos' masterful direction and the stellar performances of the cast create a gripping and thought-provoking cinematic experience that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
This synopsis is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
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TML Review
TopMovieList exclusive verdict👍
Highly Recommended
👍 A solid film worth your time with notable strengths. While not perfect, it offers substantial entertainment value.
Collectibles & Reads
Director
Main Cast
4 cast members
F.A.Q.
Q:Why did Yorgos Lanthimos choose such an unusual title for 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer'?
A:
The title 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer' is steeped in mythology, specifically referencing the ancient Greek tale of Iphigenia, who was sacrificed by her father Agamemnon as a consequence of killing a sacred deer belonging to the goddess Artemis. Lanthimos wanted to mirror this theme of a parent's sacrifice and the heavy moral consequences in his modern narrative, creating a direct link to classical tragedies.
Q:How did the filmmakers achieve the film's unique, unsettling musical score?
A:
The eerie score of 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer' was crafted by composer Sofia Gubaidulina. In an unconventional approach, Lanthimos and Gubaidulina used rare musical instruments and discordant harmonies to create a sense of unease. They incorporated the waterphone and bowed crystal glasses, which produced the haunting sounds that significantly amplify the film’s chilling atmosphere.
Q:What really happened when they were shooting the hospital scenes?
A:
Shooting the hospital scenes in 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer' brought an unexpected challenge. The team initially planned to shoot in a decommissioned hospital, but due to last-minute legal issues, they had to switch locations. They ended up filming in a wing of an active hospital, which required the crew to work around the clock, ensuring their setup did not interfere with the daily operations of the hospital.
The FAQ section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
Trivia
🎬Nicole Kidman almost didn't star in 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer.' Despite her critical role, scheduling conflicts nearly prevented her from joining. It was only after the production shifted their entire shooting schedule that she was able to commit, dramatically altering the film’s casting dynamics and potentially its success.
💡The spaghetti scene in the film, where Martin (played by Barry Keoghan) messily devours a plate of spaghetti, was shot in a single take. Keoghan improvised the eating style, which unexpectedly became one of the film's most disturbing and memorable moments, highlighting his character's menacing innocence.
🎯A real cardiologist was kept on set to advise on the film's numerous medical scenes to ensure accuracy. This expert input was crucial, especially for scenes involving surgical procedures, and added an extra layer of authenticity to the medical backdrop of the movie.
The trivia section is generated with AI assistance for entertainment purposes only. For official information, please refer to the movie's official sources.
