The Killing of a Sacred Deer Ending Explained, Release Date, Cast, Plot, Summary, Where to Watch and More
by Rubaditsha
Updated Jan 06, 2024
The Killing of a Sacred Deer
"The Killing of a Sacred Deer" is a 2017 psychological horror thriller directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, featuring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan, and others. Inspired by the Greek tragedy "Iphigenia in Aulis," the film follows a cardiac surgeon who introduces his family to a mysterious teenage boy, triggering unexplained illnesses within the family.
Competing for the Palme d'Or at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, it had a theatrical release in the US on October 20, 2017, and in the UK and Ireland on November 3. Garnering positive critical reception, the film earned $10 million globally. With its unsettling narrative and stellar cast, the movie explores psychological horror, mythology, and the consequences of past actions.
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The Killing of a Sacred Deer Ending Explained
"The Killing of a Sacred Deer" ending centers on heart surgeon Steven, faced with an impossible choice presented by Martin, the son of a deceased patient. The title, inspired by a Greek myth, hints at themes of guilt and retribution. In the finale, Martin forces Steven to choose a family member for a sacrificial death or face their agonizing illnesses. Desperate, Steven blindfolds himself, fires a rifle randomly, resulting in his son Bob's death.
The family, marked with guilt, is seen later with bags over their heads. The film's strangeness and unique dialogue contribute to its psychological horror. Director Yorgos Lanthimos explains the movie explores revenge, justice, and power dynamics, emphasizing ambiguity for emotional impact. While praised by critics, some audiences find its unconventional style too weird. The ending, rooted in Greek mythology, echoes questions of guilt and the consequences of evading responsibility.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer Release Date
A24 premiered 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer' in the United States on October 20, 2017, and it saw subsequent releases in the United Kingdom and Ireland by Curzon Artificial Eye on November 3 of the same year. The film received mostly positive reviews for its unconventional narrative and exploration of themes such as revenge and guilt.
Its unique style, coupled with director Yorgos Lanthimos' distinct storytelling, contributed to its critical acclaim. Despite its non-traditional approach, the film achieved commercial success, grossing $10 million worldwide. Overall, 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer' made its mark as a thought-provoking and unsettling addition to the psychological horror genre.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer Cast
Actor
Character
Colin Farrell
Steven Murphy
Nicole Kidman
Anna Murphy
Barry Keoghan
Martin Lang
Raffey Cassidy
Kimberly "Kim" Murphy
Sunny Suljic
Robert "Bob" Murphy
Alicia Silverstone
Martin's Mother
Bill Camp
Matthew Williams
Barry Bernson
Dr. Larry Banks
Herb Caillouet
Ed Thompson (Hospital Director)
Denise Dal Vera
Mary Williams
Drew Logan
Principal
Michael Trester
Elderly Man
Ming Wang
Doctor (Abdominal)
The Killing of a Sacred Deer Plot
After performing open-heart surgery, Steven Murphy befriends Martin Lang, but the seemingly innocent friendship takes a dark turn when Martin demands a horrific choice to balance his father's death caused by Steven's mistake. As Steven's family succumbs to mysterious illnesses, Martin reveals his supernatural power.
Despite Steven's attempts to defy fate, he kidnaps Martin in desperation. The harrowing climax sees Steven making a gruesome choice, leading to the death of his son, Bob. In the aftermath, Martin encounters the Murphys at a diner, symbolizing the irreversible impact of his revenge. The film explores guilt, justice, and the disturbing consequences of one man's actions on his family.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer Summary
"The Killing of a Sacred Deer" unfolds as a clear and direct narrative, with characters explicitly stating forthcoming events that transpire without delving into the mechanics of the antagonist's actions. The film follows Steven Murphy, a heart surgeon, whose life takes a dark turn when a teenage boy, Martin Lang, demands a horrifying choice to balance his father's death caused by Steven's mistake.
As Steven's family succumbs to mysterious illnesses, the film explores cosmic punishment, fate, and the consequences of human hubris, drawing inspiration from the Greek tragedy "Iphigenia in Aulis." The story deliberately avoids explaining the supernatural aspects of Martin's powers, focusing instead on the characters' grappling with questions of why these events are happening and accepting the inevitability of fate.
The film culminates in a chilling conclusion where Steven makes a gruesome choice, symbolizing the irreversible impact of revenge and the consequences of one's actions.
Where to Watch The Killing of a Sacred Deer?
"The Killing of a Sacred Deer" is currently available for streaming on the Curzon Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own the movie, it can be purchased for download on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Sky Store, Chili, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Rakuten TV. Additionally, renting options are offered through Amazon Video, Chili, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Curzon Home Cinema, and Rakuten TV.
This diverse range of platforms ensures that viewers have the flexibility to choose their preferred method of watching, whether through streaming services or purchasing for download or rental, making the film easily accessible to a wide audience.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer Trailer
The Killing of a Sacred Deer Ending Explained: FAQs
The film follows heart surgeon Steven Murphy as his family faces mysterious illnesses after befriending a teenage boy with a dark connection to his past.
The title and themes draw inspiration from the Greek tragedy "Iphigenia in Aulis," exploring guilt, revenge, and consequences.
"The Killing of a Sacred Deer" was released on October 20, 2017, and grossed $10 million worldwide, receiving positive critical acclaim.
In the ending, faced with an impossible choice, Steven blindfolds himself and randomly shoots, resulting in the death of his son, symbolizing the consequences of revenge.
The film is available for streaming on the Curzon Amazon Channel and can be purchased or rented on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, and others.