The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Main Plot

The Killing of a Sacred Deer follows a successful cardiac surgeon who becomes entangled with a mysterious teenager named Martin. As their relationship develops, the surgeon's life begins to unravel, leading to increasingly disturbing consequences. Martin reveals that he holds a dark power over the surgeon's family, presenting him with an impossible choice that forces the surgeon to confront his moral and ethical boundaries. As the surgeon grapples with the implications of Martin's demands, tension escalates within his family, leading to a series of unsettling events that blur the lines between guilt, sacrifice, and retribution. The film explores themes of fate, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions, culminating in a chilling atmosphere that leaves the audience questioning the nature of justice and the human condition.

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 ending of The Killing of a Sacred Deer, the tension culminates as the protagonist, Steven, faces an impossible moral dilemma. After a series of supernatural events lead to the illness of his family, Steven is confronted by the mysterious boy, Martin, who demands that Steven make a choice: sacrifice one of his family members to save the others. This ultimatum forces Steven into a harrowing position, reflecting the themes of guilt and retribution that permeate the film. Ultimately, Steven decides to sacrifice his son, Bob. In a chilling scene, he blindfolds himself and takes a gun, symbolizing his acceptance of the horrific act he must commit. The act of violence is both a literal and metaphorical resolution to the conflict, as it serves to restore balance in Martin's twisted sense of justice. After the sacrifice, the film concludes with a haunting image of Steven's family, now seemingly free from the curse but forever altered by the trauma of their experiences. The ending underscores the film's exploration of fate, morality, and the consequences of one's actions, leaving the audience with a sense of unease about the nature of justice and familial bonds.