Read Positive User Reviews for The Killing of a Sacred Deer

10

DeanomiteDec 31, 2019

I remember Tarkovsky (Stalker from 1979 was his best) talking about how he admired Bergman (The Seventh Seal is my favorite of his) and wanted his work to channel the style of Bergman. Yorgos Lanthimos apparently feels similarly aboutI remember Tarkovsky (Stalker from 1979 was his best) talking about how he admired Bergman (The Seventh Seal is my favorite of his) and wanted his work to channel the style of Bergman. Yorgos Lanthimos apparently feels similarly about Stanley Kubrick, because this movie feels so much like a Kubrick film. The camera following behind the actors, almost stalking them, feels like another character. The music, ominous and sparse, also feels like a character. The dialog is very staccato, no harmony in the monotone speaking cadence, really lends an air of characters that live subconsciously. I didn't care for the third act but the first 2 were flawless.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

CinemaCrushJan 25, 2018

Killing of a Sacred Deer is the best film I've seen all year, domestic or international. And I watch any film nominated for an award pretty much. The Oscar snub of Barry Keoghan (who also stars in Dunkirk, which got plenty of Oscar nods) inKilling of a Sacred Deer is the best film I've seen all year, domestic or international. And I watch any film nominated for an award pretty much. The Oscar snub of Barry Keoghan (who also stars in Dunkirk, which got plenty of Oscar nods) in the best supporting role is ridiculous. As it's one of the best supporting performances I have seen in years. Yorgos Lanthimos ALWAYS delivers. Some might not be able to take his vision, as it is bleak. But as far as the art of filmmaking goes, he is the creme of the crop in innovation. 10 out of 10, EASY.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

zapVFeb 9, 2018

In this original piece of cinema director gives us his view on a conflict introduced by greek tragedies thousands of years ago - a conflict between a man and his fate.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

beeanadouDec 3, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I kinda of guess that mysterious boy had decided whom to sacrifice.
The mother and daughter partly compromised, begged the strange boy for mercy but the little boy struggled till the end--even tried to shake off the sack on his head.

Other alternative explanation is the father's sub-conscious. He had never showed much affection to his son and believed his boy was "acting" at first. In contrast,the mother cared about the poor boy and disliked the selfish daughter.

It is also metaphoric that the father is a cardiologist(symbolize sense), and the mother is an ophthalmologist(symbolize look through the truth).… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

IttiacesNov 23, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This was a real cinematic treat. In a time where Hollywood studios continue to churn out version after version of the same formulaic tripe, it's a relief to find a film so original in its conception. Everything from the cast to the cinematography was superb. There was something to admire in every aspect of its construction. Clearly, a project that was well thought out and devised with care. The story is certainly unusual and requires some focus and thought on the part of the audience. Some of the scenes portray a distinct brutality, often painful to watch, but they combine to convey the story in a very compelling way. Disturbing yet fascinating, with wonderful performances from Farrell and Kidman. Barry Keoghan is outstanding as Martin, the psychopathic young man hell-bent on making his father's killer pay. Excellent work from director/writer Yorgos Lanthimos, his mind is a wonder.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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9

MattBrady99Nov 6, 2017

LIFF31 2017 #1

"A surgeon never kills a patient. An anaesthesiologist can kill a patient, but a surgeon never can". "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" is a mixture of horror, comedy, thriller, and mystery all wrapped up in one bizarre, butLIFF31 2017 #1

"A surgeon never kills a patient. An anaesthesiologist can kill a patient, but a surgeon never can".

"The Killing of a Sacred Deer" is a mixture of horror, comedy, thriller, and mystery all wrapped up in one bizarre, but brilliant crafted film. Even when you don't fully follow what going on, it at least keeps you interested and engaged. The audience reaction to this was the highlight. Everyone cringed at the brutal parts.

Unpredictable is the best compliment I can say. I literally had no idea where it was going and kept surprising me with each scene. I'm kinda lost words with this one. This is me still progressing.

The score was brilliant. Having this blast of a roar which shook up the room and was really eerie. The intensity continues to grow as the film moves on, but has it's fair of moments for dark humor. Even the camera work had a Stanley Kubrick vibe.

This might be my favorite film from Yorgos Lanthimos.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

Mr_MaldororOct 20, 2017

Favourite film of the year. It's best not to discuss the events of the movie, as going in fresh really added to the enjoyment. I will say that it's visceral, demented, unique, and surprisingly funny at many turns. It's not for everyone, andFavourite film of the year. It's best not to discuss the events of the movie, as going in fresh really added to the enjoyment. I will say that it's visceral, demented, unique, and surprisingly funny at many turns. It's not for everyone, and when I saw it at TIFF, there were plenty of walkouts. But if you are used to Yorgos Lanthimos' deadpan lunacy, then you should be at home with this one.… Expand

10 of 16 users found this helpful106

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7

ReubenIsAGodNov 28, 2017

The film was awfully tense, absolutely terrifying. I'm not quite too sure how I really feel about it. Haven't actually seen the lobster yet, so I wasn't really quite sure what to expect when walking in. But I truly did enjoy this film and theThe film was awfully tense, absolutely terrifying. I'm not quite too sure how I really feel about it. Haven't actually seen the lobster yet, so I wasn't really quite sure what to expect when walking in. But I truly did enjoy this film and the experience that it brings. It's a **** horrible situation that the film displays in a haunting dream-like tense quality.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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8

BrianMcCriticDec 23, 2017

This film is a hard nut to crack but the performances are all standout and you really get the chills thinking about it afterwards. Not nearly as good last year's "The Lobster", Yorgos Lanthimos is still able to get a reaction that'sThis film is a hard nut to crack but the performances are all standout and you really get the chills thinking about it afterwards. Not nearly as good last year's "The Lobster", Yorgos Lanthimos is still able to get a reaction that's different and daring. A-… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

luke100Jan 9, 2018

I'm really torn on whether this movie is a 7 or an 8. Consistently intriguing and funny, it's also incredibly bizarre and disturbing. Unlike "Lobster", which gave you a clear idea of what it's about and then developed that idea in someI'm really torn on whether this movie is a 7 or an 8. Consistently intriguing and funny, it's also incredibly bizarre and disturbing. Unlike "Lobster", which gave you a clear idea of what it's about and then developed that idea in some interesting and surprising way, "Sacred Deer" takes a weird plot twist in the middle, leaving you confused in terms of what the hell was this movie actually about. After thinking about it for a longer time, I think it was pretty good, just a bit too bizarre.… Expand

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7

ShowMeMoreMay 9, 2018

Wow! I don't know how I feel about this film. It's going to have raging fans and raging haters. I think nobody can tell you about this film, you really have to experience it for yourself. I use the word 'experience' because it is exactlyWow! I don't know how I feel about this film. It's going to have raging fans and raging haters. I think nobody can tell you about this film, you really have to experience it for yourself. I use the word 'experience' because it is exactly that. The script is great, the dialogue is monotone, emotionless and ambivalent - by design of course. It's uncomfortable to watch but you will never come to grips with the film if you do not sit through it all the way to the end. About half way it will grip you and won't be able to leave the screen. Even if you hate it in the end, you'll be all the poorer for not seeing it.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

OzwitDec 15, 2017

Invigorating, humorous, terrifying, mystifying, heartbreaking, and will leave you shaken and disturbed. Well acted and superbly directed. A must watch movie...

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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8

moviemitch96Nov 3, 2017

Following in the absurdist style and footsteps of last year's 'The Lobster', Colin Farrell and director Yorgos Lanthimos team up once again to bring a film that's not much more weird or different than 'The Lobster' was. However, with thatFollowing in the absurdist style and footsteps of last year's 'The Lobster', Colin Farrell and director Yorgos Lanthimos team up once again to bring a film that's not much more weird or different than 'The Lobster' was. However, with that being said, this one is certainly much, much darker and sinister. I certainly enjoyed the deadpan delivery and performances, as well as the haunting score that made both films strangely unique and intriguing to watch. However, this film lacked a bit in terms of imagination, as well as the stunner gut-punch of an ending that 'The Lobster' delivered that left a big impact on me, as I felt a bit disappointed and underwhelmed by not just the ending, but also the overall execution of some of the film, the final act in particular, which felt a bit rushed and uninspired to me. Overall, this was still a well-made absurdist film for the most part from Lanthimos, the director who knows how to do absurdism best, and Farrell, Nicole Kidman, and Barry Keoghan in the sinister role of Martin all turn in worthy performances.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

JLuis_001Dec 17, 2017

Yorgos Lanthimos is not a director who plays with detours, or that plays safe, his films are not typical or usual and I can say that only having seen three films of his filmography but it's always nice when a filmmaker dares to abandon moreYorgos Lanthimos is not a director who plays with detours, or that plays safe, his films are not typical or usual and I can say that only having seen three films of his filmography but it's always nice when a filmmaker dares to abandon more conventional branches and with The Killing of a Sacred Deer he reaffirms it.

This is a cold movie and undoubtedly will not be liked by many, either by the plot, the rhythm or how inhuman his characters seems to be. There is not a trace of warmth in all the scenes or the characters but this is essential to endure the film and eventually understand the final part.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is not a film that I can talk to you about it, it's more a film that you must experience and enjoy and it's truly worth it.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

GinaKNov 14, 2017

I’ll admit right now that I hated The Lobster, and I may have even fallen asleep. So let’s say I was warned about what I was getting into here. So I read a lot of reviews and as with The Snowman where I did the same thing, I was rewarded byI’ll admit right now that I hated The Lobster, and I may have even fallen asleep. So let’s say I was warned about what I was getting into here. So I read a lot of reviews and as with The Snowman where I did the same thing, I was rewarded by really enjoying this movie. My guess is that if you have never seen this director’s work and you go in cold, you may hate this movie. But if you know what you are getting into, pay attention, and have patience, you may find this is a very, very absorbing, enjoyable, and satisfying puzzle of a movie as I did.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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10

AndremaxFeb 21, 2020

Mindblowind and experimental, "...Sacred Deer" is a breathtaking experience

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

section20mi6Feb 22, 2018

A freakishly creepy film explores the art of expressionless acting that somehow brings the horror genre to a different level. Audience experiences might be polarized because of its particularly grotesque overall tone.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

PanchogulJun 22, 2019

Es una de esas películas que si no prestas atención desde el principio simplemente no la podrás apreciar correctamente, hay ciertas cosas que no logré entender, pero la atmósfera, la tensión e incertidumbre fueron bien logrados para mi.

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9

FedorkoNov 14, 2017

This stylized film gets at the foundation of our uncertainty when science or objectivity can't help us understand our world. It takes the idea of science and makes a joke out of it. These deeper themes, along with puzzling symbols (like theThis stylized film gets at the foundation of our uncertainty when science or objectivity can't help us understand our world. It takes the idea of science and makes a joke out of it. These deeper themes, along with puzzling symbols (like the wrist-watch straps and french fries) and subtle acting makes this movie a must-see for the openminded theatergoer. SPOILER: The most interesting part of this film was Martin's threat that all 3 of Colin Farrell's family members would get sick and die. Nicole Kidman had no signs of illness. This movie keeps me guessing and trying to connect dots. I keep asking myself questions about it and that's why I find it so enjoyable.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

amheretojudgeJan 16, 2018

i'll bury you in the yard..

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer Yorgos aces in keeping the audience enrooting for the lead characters till the end and gives them enough homework to even work it out, but this time he seemed way too dark on itsi'll bury you in the yard..

The Killing Of A Sacred Deer

Yorgos aces in keeping the audience enrooting for the lead characters till the end and gives them enough homework to even work it out, but this time he seemed way too dark on its tone; exhilarating but dark.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

PipeCMay 6, 2018

Do you play God or Devil? Beyond the story about lost, vengeance and repulsion that he sets up, what makes Lanthimos so unique and aggressive is his power to relate poetically atrocious fables, a type of narration that is far, far from theDo you play God or Devil? Beyond the story about lost, vengeance and repulsion that he sets up, what makes Lanthimos so unique and aggressive is his power to relate poetically atrocious fables, a type of narration that is far, far from the prototype used by cinema currently. He already did so with his previous film and now backs it up with "The Killing of a Sacred Deer", dangerous ideas and perspectives without anesthesia embellished with peculiar breakdowns on lies, justice, forgiveness and hard feelings; rubbing salt in the wound of many conservative moviegoers who describe this type of cinematographic approach as ostentatious, ambitious and shamefully voyeuristic. The story veers completely over a psychological, captivating and supernatural air and many movie lovers appreciate that, we really do. Suggesting subtly that everything shown on screen isn't explicitly all they want to say is a tool for the audience, who must start, on its own, a quick but much deeper study of the connections between the pictures, questioning each line getting out of the mouth of any character, every decision, every distraction, a game in which the spectator must be more clever. Along with "mother!" by Darren Aronofsky, "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" has one of the craziest, most symbolic and visceral scripts, in the bad and good sense of all the words, of the last decade, guaranteed stupefaction. The screenplay, written by the director alongside his habitual co-writer Efthymis Filippou, is overwhelming; from the opening scene, there are signs warning of an abrasive, variegated in-crescendo trip that gradually, as if it was an uncontrollable beast, increases in strength and belligerence to devour what could have been a tasteless drama. This kind of thing makes more interesting the stories in which no one knows what the hell just happened, that fictional game in which the writers immerse us whether we like or not. Don't forget the superb, staggered build of tension and discomfort, because in fact, the story is not made up of efficient twists and clever moves placed in the right moments, but the story itself is a big, insane twist. Certain elements are required for something like this goes well, fortunately, they're used on this occasion: top-notch performances, an antiseptic cinematography, a lancinating soundtrack and an infinity of technical, artistic and narrative support that become this work, only for a few ones, in one of the best of the year.

Here is one of the few films in which the majority, if not all, of the performances are magnificent and strangely credible. Farrell does an outstanding job in this movie, his movie, we feel true anger, his bewilderment and dread are real through his steely gaze, and unlike many other similar-storyline characters, he's a defenseless father contemplating how his family crumbles, one by one, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Of course, the next big revelation is one of the most terrifying and ominously disturbing antagonists of this year: Barry Keoghan. The 25-year-old actor has found a very complex character, full of nuances represented by means of monologues that he verbalizes in a way as natural as disturbing, the coldness of his boiling hate is what turns his interpretation into a fabulous triumph, there are sincerity and depth in his words, is such the power of his dramatic range that with just a couple of lines and one "loathsome" plate of spaghetti petrifies an entire theater, a visceral performance. Thimios Bakatakis' barbaric visual section must live up to the brutality and strangeness of the enigmatic writing, frankly, it goes significantly beyond. The cinematographer spreads the messages out through a thin and aggressive line of symbolic pictures, from the most deeply dramatic to those blatantly violent; the camera slithers harshly along hospitals, onerous houses, coffee shops and disturbing basements, using long shots to feed the unstoppable tension through tilt and travelling moves that accompany the characters all the time, even making the viewer to hide behind a shield in every moment, it's restless and frightened of what may come as soon as a change of scene happens. Upsetting, exultantly cruel and incredibly hard to watch and forget, Yorgos Lanthimos's "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" is his film less chimeric in terms of visual setting, however, the stark and eccentric display of his ideas and the deep-rooted metaphorical meaning of them are pillars in this rabid tale of karma, morality, vengeance, and humility, smothering the spectator' tolerance limits, causing dissimilar results in each experience, in my case, a da*n obsession to know more about this unclassifiable Greek filmmaker. Quickly, the filmmaker shapes his filmography on metaphorical bases, with esoteric and complex ideas that define a caustically indelible work. No doubt, the second film, narrative and visually, more controversial, perverse and atrocious of 2017.… Expand