The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Main Plot

"The Killing of a Sacred Deer" is a psychological thriller directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The film follows Steven Murphy, a charismatic surgeon, who leads a seemingly idyllic life with his wife Anna and their two children. However, Steven harbors a dark secret connected to his past. His life begins to unravel after he befriends Martin, a mysterious teenager. As their relationship deepens, Martin's true intentions surface, revealing a sinister agenda that forces Steven into an unimaginable moral dilemma. The story escalates as Steven faces the consequences of his past actions, leading to catastrophic decisions that affect his family and his own sanity. The film explores themes of guilt, retribution, and the ethics of responsibility, wrapped in a chilling narrative that questions the nature of justice and the human capacity for forgiveness. Lanthimos's distinctive style, characterized by detached dialogue and unsettling performances, heightens the film's eerie atmosphere, making it a compelling exploration of the extremes of human behavior.

Characters

• Barry G. Bernson plays Dr. Larry Banks in the film. His character briefly interacts with the protagonist, contributing to the unsettling atmosphere and thematic depth.
• Herb Caillouet plays Ed Thompson, a colleague of Steven Murphy, who is involved in discussions about Steven's personal and professional dilemmas throughout the film.
• Bill Camp plays Matthew, a hospital anesthesiologist, who provides crucial information about Steven's past, influencing the unfolding psychological and moral dilemmas in the story.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Yorgos Lanthimos's film "The Killing of a Sacred Deer," Steven Murphy, a cardiac surgeon, faces the devastating consequences of a curse placed on his family by Martin, a teenage boy whose father died on Steven's operating table. The curse causes Steven's children to become paralyzed and threatens to kill them unless Steven kills one member of his own family as a form of retribution. After much turmoil and failed attempts to find a solution, Steven decides to take a drastic step to resolve the situation. In the film's climax, Steven blindfolds himself, his wife Anna, and their two children, Kim and Bob, in their living room. He spins around with a rifle, randomly firing it until it discharges, ultimately killing Bob. This act lifts the curse, as evidenced by Kim walking again. The film ends with Steven, Anna, and Kim encountering Martin in a diner. They exchange glances, but no words are spoken, leaving the audience to ponder the implications of Steven's actions and the family's future. This ending underscores themes of guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of one's choices.