Old testament rules or even more severe ancient
judgment are the principals that rule Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest feature Killing
of A Sacred Deer. Taking of a life even if you did not mean to will have
repercussions on your family ala the death of the first born of Egypt in the Ten
Commandments. With this premise in
mind Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell) a heart surgeon has taken a unexplained interest in
a young man Martin (Barry Keoghan) Martin shows up at the hospital to see him
unannounced but even when annoyed Steven always has time to see him. His wife Anna (Nicole Kidman) is a
leading ophthalmologist who along
with Steven and their two kids Kim (Raffey Cassidy) and Bob (Sunny Sulkic) live
in a well to do area of town.
Martin ‘s involvement with the Murphy's builds when he is invited for
dinner. The visitor immediately fascinates Kim coming off as the perfect gentleman throughout the evening. Martin request that Steven to
return the favour and have dinner at his modest home across town. That evening does not go as planned with Steven scrambling to leave as things begin to get awkward.
Director Lanthimos slowly builds the story
unravelling the linkage between the characters. The players oddly to jump from
hello to imitate personal details in the next exchange. Remembering the initial premise
consequences appear one morning when Bob tries to get out of bed to go to
school finding he does not have the use of his legs. His parents think that he
is joking at first but that is not the case. Next the same affliction befalls
Kim then it’s revealed that Steven a former alcoholic may not have been right
when he performed surgery on Martin’s dad.
Colin Farrell continues in a streak of
playing flawed characters with the role of Steven. He feels bad for what
happened thus tries to do what he can for Martin only to realize that friendships,
guidance and gifts do not interest Martin. Barry Keoghan is haunting as the
family interloper in the best tradition of family stalkers. He charms the
entire family practically has a spell cast over Kim then is steady and
unrelenting when pushed to move off of his position. Look for Alicia Silverstone
is a minor role as Martin’s mother. She tries to keep a normal home for her son
following the untimely death of his father.
The Killing
of a Sacred Deer is a chilling tale that
demonstrates that despite money or status when you have committed a wrong
justice must be extracted. The most horrific aspect of the tale is how calm the
family members are despite terrible symptoms occurring to the kids and they
grow to learn what they have to do
to break the curse. It’s a compelling watch and a film I can recommend.
**** Out of 4.
**** Out of 4.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer | Yorgos
Lanthimos | U.S.A. | 2017 |
Tags: Heart Surgeon, Ophthalmologist,
Alcoholic, Operation, Watch Band, Rifle, Smoking, Gardening, Deadly Choice.
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