Review of The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) by Steve W — 14 Nov 2017
Another thought-provoking and unsettling film from this director. The opening scenes are almost comically banal with the stilted dialogue which is one of lanthimos' trademarks. The family round the table agreeing quielty that they all have lovely hair.
But there is a always a sense of vague unease - established in the opening scene of open-heart surgery, shown in full, gory detail - which resolves itself when the children fall ill and it is clear that they are being sacrificed as part of a terrible revenge for a surgical error by Colin Farrell's character.
From here on in the tension is almost unbearable despite some moments of black humour. This is the Greek tragedy of Iphigenia played out in modern-day america. Like all the great tragedies it deals in large moral issues and provides no easy answers to them - because there are none.
Gripping viewing from start to end.
This review of The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) was written by Steve W on 14 November 2017.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer has generally received positive reviews.
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